Seven exceptional Nigerian freshmen have been rewarded with a total of N35 million in scholarships as Rite Foods Limited, in partnership with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), unveiled the maiden edition of the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Award.
The award ceremony, held in Lagos on Tuesday, celebrated the country’s brightest students from the 2025/2026 admission exercise, recognising academic excellence, resilience and determination while encouraging young Nigerians to pursue educational success regardless of their background.
The initiative honoured the best matriculant from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, alongside a special recipient under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group category, which recognises students who have overcome significant challenges in pursuit of higher education.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Selim Adegunwa, described the initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s future, emphasising that education remains one of the country’s strongest tools for national transformation and sustainable development.
According to him, the award was created to identify, celebrate and reward outstanding young Nigerians whose commitment to learning positions them as future leaders, innovators and nation builders.
He noted that the programme also reflects Rite Foods’ commitment to corporate social responsibility through education, adding that recognising excellence would inspire millions of students across the country to strive for academic distinction.
Adegunwa also commended JAMB for partnering with the company to ensure a transparent, merit-based selection process.
The event attracted education stakeholders, government officials, university administrators, policymakers, teachers, students, civil society organisations, community leaders, business partners and members of the media.
Meet the Award Recipients
North-East: Vincent Daniel, a graduate of Deeper Life High School, Jalingo, Taraba State, emerged as the region’s top matriculant after securing a JAMB admission aggregate score of 89.72%. Now studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Maiduguri, Vincent hopes to contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
South-West: Okeke Chinedu Christian recorded the highest aggregate score among all the award recipients with an outstanding 93.90%. A graduate of St. Jude’s Private Secondary School, Festac, Lagos, he is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, with ambitions to develop engineering solutions that improve lives and drive national development.
North-Central: Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin, a graduate of New Covenant Christian College International, Makurdi, Benue State, earned a 92.00% admission aggregate score and is studying Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He hopes to develop innovative software solutions capable of addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.
South-South: Edidiong Victor James, who graduated as the overall best student from Redemption Academy, Uyo, received the regional award after recording a 91.75% admission aggregate score. Now studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo, he says his passion for medicine was inspired by his father’s dedication to healthcare and service.
South-East: Joshua David Chidiebere, a graduate of the Air Force Primary and Secondary Schools, Port Harcourt, was recognised for his outstanding 92.00% aggregate score. Currently studying Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Joshua hopes to leverage technology to solve societal problems and contribute to national development.
North-West: Francis Luka Miendwas, an international gold medallist at the 2024 Africa Mathematics Olympiad, received the regional honour after recording an 89.50% admission aggregate score. A graduate of Incubators Academics, Kaduna State, he is studying Software Engineering at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, with plans to apply technology to solving real-world challenges.
A Story of Courage and Resilience
The event’s most inspiring moment came with the presentation of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group Award to Tijesuni Mitchelle Ogunsua-Dixon.
Despite losing her sight after undergoing brain tumour surgery, Tijesuni refused to abandon her dream of earning a university education. She secured admission to study Communication and Media Studies at the University of Lagos after recording an 81.20% admission aggregate score.
Her remarkable determination earned widespread admiration, with organisers describing her journey as a powerful reminder that disability should never limit anyone’s academic potential. They also hailed her as a strong advocate for inclusive education and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the organisers said the award seeks to promote diligence, discipline and healthy academic competition while encouraging stronger partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions.
Education stakeholders at the event praised Rite Foods and JAMB for introducing an initiative that rewards merit and motivates young Nigerians to pursue excellence.
With its successful debut, the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Award is expected to become an annual programme, inspiring future generations of scholars while contributing to the development of a highly skilled and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria.
