Private sector can transform education, Fed govt says as Rite Foods awards scholarships

By Our Reporter

The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have praised Rite Foods Limited for awarding ₦35 million in scholarships to the seven highest-performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the initiative as a significant contribution to educational development and youth empowerment.

The beneficiaries, drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, each received a ₦5 million scholarship under the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards.

Speaking at the scholarship presentation ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Ismaila Adiatu, commended Rite Foods’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, for demonstrating that a Nigerian company can compete globally while investing in the country’s future through education.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa; with the Highest scorer in the 2025 JAMB/UTME with 93.90, in the South-west region, Okeke Chinedu Christian, a Mechanical Engineering student of the University of Lagos; and the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; during the presentation ceremony of N5Million each, to the top seven UTME students in 2025, in the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards, in Lagos.

He described the scholarship scheme, organised in partnership with JAMB, as a practical demonstration of corporate commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting national development.

“This initiative reflects the role responsible corporate organisations can play in complementing government efforts to improve educational outcomes and create opportunities for deserving students,” the minister said.

JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, described the scholarship programme as worthy of emulation, noting that Rite Foods has continued to distinguish itself through innovation, excellence and commitment to national development.

According to him, partnerships between the public and private sectors remain critical to strengthening Nigeria’s education system and rewarding academic excellence.

“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 scholarship recipients include Okeke Chinedu Christian from the South-West, who scored 93.90 per cent and will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos; Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin from the North-Central, who scored 92 per cent and gained admission to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; and Joshua David Chidiebere from the South-East, also with 92 per cent, who will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Others are James Edidiong Victor from the South-South, who scored 91.75 per cent and will study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo; Vincent Daniel from the North-East, who scored 89.72 per cent and will study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Maiduguri; Luka Francis Miendwas from the North-West, who scored 89.50 per cent and will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle, representing the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, who scored 81.2 per cent and will study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

The awards, organisers said, reflect Rite Foods’ commitment to promoting academic excellence while expanding access to educational opportunities for outstanding students, including candidates in the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group.

In his remarks, Adegunwa said the company remains committed to investing in Nigeria’s future by supporting education and empowering young people.

“At Rite Foods, we believe the quality of our young people will define Nigeria’s future. This initiative goes beyond scholarships; it is an investment in the next generation by recognising excellence, inspiring ambition and empowering future leaders, innovators and professionals,” he said.

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Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, Special Adviser, to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa; and the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; during the presentation ceremony of N35Million to the top seven UTME students in 2025, in the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards, in Lagos.

He added that the awards reinforce the message that hard work and academic excellence deserve recognition, stressing that education remains one of the strongest drivers of sustainable national development.

According to him, the scholarship programme aligns with the company’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development (EYCE).

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, overall best-performing candidate Okeke Chinedu Christian thanked Rite Foods for the scholarship, describing it as a major encouragement that would help him pursue his academic goals.

Beyond the National Academic Excellence Awards, Rite Foods said it continues to invest in education, entrepreneurship, sports development and creative talent through initiatives designed to empower young Nigerians.

The event also featured performances by Kingdom Kroseide and Victory Gbakara, highlighting the company’s broader commitment to discovering and supporting home-grown talent.