As part of efforts to promote academic excellence in Nigeria, Rite Foods Limited, in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has rewarded seven undergraduates, who were the highest-scoring candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with N35 million and internship opportunities.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Lagos, attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Vice-Chancellors, JAMB officials, and parents.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Rite Foods, Mr Seleem Adegunwa, said the initiative was designed to celebrate excellence, promote confidence, and demonstrate what can be achieved when institutions invest in the country’s future.

Adegunwa stated that Rite Foods, through the initiative, had committed to recognising high-performing candidates across the country and sending a message to young Nigerians that “excellence matters, hard work pays, and outstanding achievement deserves recognition.”

According to him, supporting education is not merely corporate social responsibility, but a national priority, reminding that no company can achieve sustainable growth without investing in education and empowerment of its youth.

Adegunwa explained that beneficiaries were selected based on post-UTME results to ensure academic excellence was matched with institutional admission.

“The programme recognised the highest-performing candidate from each of the six geopolitical zones, as well as candidates from public institutions.

“Importantly, the initiative is focused on students whose access to financial support can make a significant difference in helping them pursue their academic aspirations,” he added

Adegunwa added that the organisation has also supported infrastructure development in schools and the provision of educational materials, adding that investing in young Nigerians is one of the most meaningful contributions we can make to the nation’s development.

He noted that the partnership with JAMB would continue as part of the company’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on education, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and community development.

On his part, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, commended the organisation for insisting that only matriculated students would be celebrated.

Oloyede noted that many organisations seek to reward high scorers on the UTME without verifying their admission status.

“But what is unique about this organisation is that they were looking for the kernel of it. They are talking about matriculated students, since many high-scoring applicants are not admitted.

“If I have a wrong combination in UTME, or I don’t have the required subjects, then why celebrate somebody who will not be admitted? That’s what makes the proposal from the company very unique,” Oloyede stated.

While congratulating the beneficiaries, he enjoined them to remain persistent.

University of Maiduguri produced the highest scorer for the North East with 89.75 percent; Federal University of Technology, Minna, led the North Central with 92 percent; Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, led the North West with 89.5 percent; University of Uyo led the South-South with 92 percent; while University of Lagos (UNILAG) led the South West with 93.8 percent.

Oloyede also noted that one of the awardees from the south west, a student living with disability, was recognised for outstanding performance.

The benefiaries are Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin from Benue State; Vincent Daniel fromTaraba State; Luka Francis Miendwas from Kaduna State; Joshua David Chidiebere, Abia State; James Edidiong Victor, Akwa-Ibom State; Okeke Chinedu Christian from Anambra State; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Mitchelle from Ondo State.

Representing the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Special Adviser, Dr Ismaila Adiatu, said the initiative aligned with the federal government’s agenda to reposition education for global competitiveness.

Adiatu said the minister has embarked on the Nigerian education sector renewal initiative, designed to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, innovation, and character required for the 21st century.

Addressing the awardees, Adiatu said the award carried the responsibility to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence

He urged parents, guardians, and teachers to continue investing in their young ones, noting that their sacrifices contributed to the success celebrated.