UNILAG VC Commends Rite Foods for National Academic Excellence Awards Initiative

UNILAG VC Commends Rite Foods for National Academic Excellence Awards Initiative

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has praised Rite Foods Limited for promoting academic excellence through its National Academic Excellence Awards, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria's future and a significant boost for outstanding students.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has commended Rite Foods Limited for its commitment to advancing education through the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards, describing the initiative as a valuable investment in Nigeria's future and a deserving recognition of exceptional academic performance.

Professor Ogunsola gave the commendation during a presentation ceremony at the university, where two UNILAG students who emerged winners in the inaugural edition of the awards formally presented their scholarship cheques to the university management.

The awardees, Chinedu Okeke Christian, who emerged as the Overall Best Matriculating Student in the South-West geopolitical zone, and Tijesuni Michelle Ogunsua-Dixon, winner of the Equal Opportunity category, received recognition under the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards. UNILAG is the only tertiary institution to produce two recipients in the maiden edition of the initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor said the programme demonstrates how the private sector can complement government and educational institutions in promoting excellence through strategic investments in education.

She noted that by rewarding students who distinguished themselves academically while also recognising those in the Equal Opportunity category, Rite Foods is encouraging hard work, resilience and inclusiveness.

"This initiative is a commendable example of how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to education. By recognising students who have distinguished themselves academically and ensuring that equal opportunity is also celebrated, Rite Foods is sending a strong message that excellence, hard work and resilience deserve to be rewarded. I believe this will inspire many young Nigerians to strive for greater achievements," she said.

Representing Rite Foods Limited at the event, the company's Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Dennise Aideloje, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education and impactful corporate social responsibility programmes.

According to her, education remains one of the most valuable investments any society can make, adding that the National Academic Excellence Awards were established to recognise exceptional students whose dedication and outstanding academic achievements deserve national recognition.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire both the award recipients and other students across the country to remain committed to excellence in their academic pursuits.

The Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards recognise the best matriculating students across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones through a transparent selection process based on candidates' aggregate performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), O'Level results and Post-UTME scores.

The initiative also honours outstanding students in the Equal Opportunity category, reinforcing the company's commitment to inclusion and equal access to educational opportunities.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Rite Foods Limited for the recognition, describing the awards as a source of motivation to sustain academic excellence and make meaningful contributions to national development.

The awards initiative forms part of Rite Foods' EYEC Corporate Social Responsibility framework, through which the company continues to support education, nurture exceptional talent and empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders.