JAMB, Rite Foods to Reward Seven Outstanding UTME Candidates with ₦35 Million

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that seven exceptional candidates from the 2025/2026 admission cycle will receive a total of ₦35 million in recognition of their outstanding academic performance. The awards, organised in partnership with Rite Foods Limited, will be presented during the Maiden Academic Excellence Recognition Award Ceremony scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Lagos . The initiative is designed to celebrate academic excellence, promote merit, and inspire Nigerian students to strive for outstanding educational achievements. Each Awardee to Receive ₦5 Million According to JAMB, each of the seven recipients will receive ₦5 million , bringing the total prize money to ₦35 million . The beneficiaries were selected based on their exceptional performances in both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and their respective Post-UTME or institutional screening exercises . The selection process was described as transparent, rigorous, and strictly merit-based. Awardees Represent All Six Geopolitical Zones JAMB's Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the seven recipients were carefully chosen to ensure national representation. According to him: Six awardees represent Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The seventh recipient is the highest-performing admitted candidate living with a disability , reinforcing JAMB's commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunities in education. Universities of the Award Winners The award recipients are currently admitted into the following institutions: University of Lagos (South-West) University of Uyo (South-South) Federal University of Technology, Owerri (South-East) Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (North-West) University of Maiduguri (North-East) Federal University of Technology, Minna (North-Central) Notably, the University of Lagos produced two awardees, including the highest-performing candidate living with a disability, making it the only institution with multiple recipients in this maiden edition. Top Education Stakeholders Expected The ceremony is expected to attract over 300 distinguished guests , including leaders from Nigeria's education sector, government, academia, and the corporate world. Expected attendees include: The Minister of Education, Maroof Alausa Outgoing JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede Vice-Chancellors of the beneficiary universities Representatives of the National Universities Commission (NUC) National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) Other key education stakeholders. What This Means for UTME Candidates The initiative sends a strong message that academic excellence continues to receive national recognition. Beyond gaining admission, students who perform exceptionally well in both the UTME and their institution's screening exercise may earn prestigious awards and financial rewards. For prospective candidates preparing for future UTME examinations, the development highlights the importance of consistent preparation, excellent performance, and determination. Stay informed with the latest JAMB updates, Post-UTME news, admission opportunities, cut-off marks, and free admission tools on OGB Admission Hub.