Rite Foods Launches N35m National Academic Excellence Awards, Partners JAMB To Reward Top University Entrants

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Rite Foods Limited, on Tuesday, officially unveiled a N35 million annual scholarship and recognition initiative in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reward Nigeria’s highest-performing matriculating students entering public universities across the country.

The initiative, which awards seven outstanding candidates with N5 million each, was launched at a maiden ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday.

The programme, known as the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Award, is designed to recognise excellence at the point of university entry using a combined assessment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Post-UTME performances.

Organisers say it is aimed at strengthening a culture of merit, inclusion and academic distinction while supporting Nigeria’s next generation of professionals and innovators.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future emphasising that the partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reflects a shared commitment to education, youth empowerment and national development.

According to him, the award goes beyond financial support, serving as a deliberate effort to celebrate brilliance and encourage young Nigerians to pursue excellence.

He noted that Rite Foods is committing N35 million annually to recognise the best-performing matriculated students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including beneficiaries from JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group.

“Today is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of excellence, a vote of confidence in the potential of Nigerian youths, and a demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions come together to invest in the future of our country,” he said.

Adegunwa explained that the initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability framework known as EYEC—Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development, adding that education remains central to national transformation.

He further stated that beneficiaries will not only receive financial rewards but also gain access to mentorship from Rite Foods’ leadership and internship opportunities during their academic journey.

He urged students to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that Nigeria’s youthful population must be harnessed as a strength for national development.

Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that supports government efforts to improve educational outcomes.

He stressed the urgent need for increased investment in education, noting that Nigeria continues to face shortages in key professional sectors, including healthcare and engineering, and requires stronger collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders.

He added that initiatives such as the Rite Foods-JAMB partnership play a vital role in building human capital and improving access to quality education opportunities across the country.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, also described the partnership as a landmark in the board’s engagement with the private sector. He explained that JAMB’s core mandate is admission facilitation and that the award aligns with its broader goal of promoting fairness and merit in tertiary education placement.

Oloyede noted that the initiative is unique because it focuses not just on UTME performance but on candidates who have successfully completed the full admission process. He said this reflects a more holistic and realistic measure of academic excellence.

“This is the first time JAMB is openly associating with this kind of award. When Rite Foods made the proposal, we quickly embraced it because it is the right move,” he said.

He further disclosed that the University of Technology, Minna, produced the highest-performing candidate among the recipients and highlighted that all seven beneficiaries emerged from public institutions across the country. He also drew attention to the inclusion of a physically challenged female student, describing her achievement as proof that “there is ability in disability.”

The seven award recipients for the maiden edition include Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin (Federal University of Technology, Minna), Software Engineering; Vincent Daniel (University of Maiduguri), Medicine and Surgery; Luka Francis Miendwas (Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia), Software Engineering; Joshua David Chidiebere (Federal University of Technology, Owerri), Software Engineering; James Edidiong Victor (University of Uyo), Medicine and Surgery; Okeke Chinedu Christian (University of Lagos), Mechanical Engineering; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Mitchelle, a Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, who also represents JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group.

Particular attention was drawn to Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Mitchelle, who stood out as the only female beneficiary in the cohort and one of the most celebrated recipients of the award.

Her recognition was widely applauded as a symbol of inclusion and resilience, reinforcing the message that academic excellence is achievable regardless of background or physical challenges.

While delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of the recipients, Chinedu Okeke expressed gratitude to Rite Foods and JAMB for recognising their efforts.

He pledged that the beneficiaries would not disappoint the confidence placed in them, promising to continue working harder to improve themselves academically and personally.

“We will not let Rite Foods down, and we will not let Nigerians down. We will do more to improve ourselves and make our country proud,” he said, while thanking the organisers for the life-changing opportunity.

He added that the recognition had strengthened their resolve to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development.