Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, and one of the Beneficiaries of the company's National Academic Excellence Awards of N5 Million each, for the seven top UTME students in 2025, of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle, a student of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, during the presentation ceremony of the scholarship funds, on Tuesday, 30th June 2026, in Lagos
Abayomi Susan
The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have commended Rite Foods Limited for reinforcing its commitment to educational advancement by awarding ₦35 million in scholarships to the seven highest-performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The scholarship recipients, who each received ₦5 million, represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding academic excellence and promoting inclusive access to quality education.
Speaking at the scholarship presentation ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, described the initiative as a remarkable demonstration of corporate citizenship and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
He praised the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, for establishing the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards in partnership with JAMB, noting that the initiative reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to nurturing exceptional talents and supporting national development through education.
The Minister also commended Rite Foods for proving that a proudly Nigerian company can compete successfully with global brands while making meaningful contributions to human capital development.
Also speaking, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the scholarship initiative as exemplary and worthy of emulation, saying it demonstrates the vital role the private sector can play in complementing government efforts to strengthen the education sector.
According to him, Rite Foods has continued to distinguish itself as a company driven by innovation, excellence, and national development.
“This partnership with Rite Foods, through which seven outstanding UTME candidates are receiving ₦35 million in scholarships, demonstrates how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to educational advancement. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and problem-solvers, and together we are investing in a brighter future for Nigeria,” Oloyede said.
The beneficiaries of the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards are:
- South-West: Okeke Chinedu Christian (93.90%) – Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos.
- North-Central: Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin (92.00%) – Software Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna.
- South-East: Joshua David Chidiebere (92.00%) – Software Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- South-South: James Edidiong Victor (91.75%) – Medicine and Surgery, University of Uyo.
- North-East: Vincent Daniel (89.72%) – Medicine and Surgery, University of Maiduguri.
- North-West: Luka Francis Miendwas (89.50%) – Software Engineering, Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna.
- JAMB Equal Opportunity Group: Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle (81.20%) – Mass Communication, University of Lagos.
The awards highlight Rite Foods’ resolve to recognise exceptional academic performance across the country while ensuring that deserving students from all backgrounds have access to opportunities that will support their educational aspirations.
In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to youth development through sustained investment in education.
“At Rite Foods, we believe the quality of our young people will define Nigeria’s future. This initiative is more than a scholarship programme; it is an investment in the next generation by recognising excellence, inspiring ambition and empowering future leaders, innovators and professionals,” he said.
Adegunwa noted that the awards send a powerful message to millions of young Nigerians that excellence deserves recognition and that hard work and determination will always be rewarded.
He further explained that the scholarship programme forms part of the company’s sustainability agenda, anchored on Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development (EYCE), adding that education remains one of the strongest drivers of national growth and socio-economic transformation.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the overall best-performing candidate, Okeke Chinedu Christian, expressed appreciation to Rite Foods for the scholarship, describing it as a life-changing opportunity that would ease the financial burden of his education and inspire him to achieve even greater academic success.
Beyond the National Academic Excellence Awards, Rite Foods continues to invest in education, entrepreneurship, sports development and creative talent initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians and contributing to sustainable national development.
The ceremony also featured performances by Kingdom Kroseide, winner of Nigerian Idol Season 6, and Victory Gbakara, winner of Season 8 of the Rite Foods-sponsored music talent show, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to discovering, nurturing and celebrating home-grown talent.
Through these strategic interventions, Rite Foods continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous manufacturers, committed to rewarding excellence, empowering the next generation and investing in the nation’s future.
