In a powerful demonstration of corporate commitment to education, Rite Foods Limited has awarded ₦35 million in scholarships to the seven highest-scoring candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The initiative celebrates academic excellence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, while earning strong praise from the Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The Federal Government and JAMB commended Rite Foods during a vibrant scholarship presentation ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, praised the company’s ability to compete with global brands while making meaningful investments in Nigeria’s future.
“Rite Foods shows that a proudly Nigerian company can drive national development through education,” the Minister’s representative said.
The Ministry also commended Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Seleem Adegunwa for launching the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards in partnership with JAMB, describing it as an example of how private organizations can contribute to nation-building beyond business.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede described the initiative as “worthy of emulation,” applauding Rite Foods for promoting innovation, excellence and national development.
“This partnership with Rite Foods, through which seven outstanding UTME candidates receive ₦35 million in scholarships, demonstrates how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to educational advancement,” he said.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for Nigeria.”
Each of the seven highest-performing candidates received a ₦5 million scholarship, recognizing not only exceptional UTME performances but also promoting inclusion through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group.
Speaking at the event, Rite Foods Managing Director Seleem Adegunwa reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development and educational advancement.
“At Rite Foods, we believe the quality of our young people will define Nigeria’s future,” he said.
“This initiative is more than a scholarship programme. It is an investment in the next generation by recognizing excellence, inspiring ambition and empowering future leaders.”
Adegunwa explained that the programme aligns with the company’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on Education, Youth Empowerment, Community Development and Environmental Stewardship (EYCE). He noted that supporting education remains both a corporate responsibility and a national imperative.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Okeke Chinedu Christian, the overall highest-scoring candidate in the 2026 UTME, expressed gratitude to Rite Foods, describing the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity that would significantly support his academic journey.
Scholarships are not new. Corporate social responsibility programmes are not new either. What often sets initiatives apart is consistency and impact.
Rite Foods has continued to invest in education, entrepreneurship, sports and creative talent development rather than limiting its intervention to one-off donations or publicity-driven campaigns. The scholarship programme reflects a long-term commitment to rewarding excellence and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
The event itself also celebrated talent beyond academics, with performances from Nigerian Idol winners Kingdom Kroseide (Season 6) and Victory Gbakara (Season 8), whose careers were also supported through Rite Foods’ sponsorship of the music competition.
At a time when conversations around Nigeria’s education sector often revolve around underfunding, brain drain and declining opportunities, initiatives like this offer a refreshing reminder that the private sector has an important role to play in shaping the country’s future.
Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of building Nigeria’s human capital. More companies should recognize that investing in education is not simply philanthropy; it is an investment in the workforce, innovators and leaders who will eventually shape the country’s economy.
If more organizations committed to rewarding excellence the way Rite Foods has done, many brilliant students would have a better chance of reaching their full potential regardless of financial circumstances.
Rite Foods has raised the bar. The question now is whether other corporate organizations will follow its lead.
Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipients. Your success is proof that excellence is still being recognized and rewarded.
