The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has praised Rite Foods Limited for promoting academic excellence through its National Academic Excellence Awards, describing the initiative as a meaningful investment in Nigeria’s future and a strong example of private sector support for education.

Professor Ogunsola made the remarks on Monday, July 20, during a ceremony at the University of Lagos where two students honoured under the inaugural Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards presented their scholarship cheques to the university’s management.

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The award recipients, Chinedu Okeke Christian, recognised as the Overall Best Matriculating Student in the South-West, and Tijesuni Michelle Ogunsua-Dixon, winner of the Equal Opportunity category, received scholarships under the initiative.

UNILAG was the only tertiary institution to produce two awardees in the programme’s maiden edition.

Commending the initiative, Professor Ogunsola said the awards demonstrate how private organisations can complement government and educational institutions in recognising and encouraging outstanding academic performance.

“This initiative is a commendable example of how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to education. By recognising students who have distinguished themselves academically and ensuring that equal opportunity is also celebrated, Rite Foods is sending a strong message that excellence, hard work and resilience deserve to be rewarded. I believe this will inspire many young Nigerians to strive for greater achievements,” she said.

Representing Rite Foods Limited at the event, the company’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Dennise Aideloje, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to investing in education as part of its broader social impact strategy.

“At Rite Foods, we believe education is one of the greatest investments any society can make. The Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Award was created to celebrate exceptional young Nigerians whose dedication and outstanding performance deserve recognition. We hope this recognition inspires not only the recipients but many other students to pursue excellence in their academic journey,” Aideloje said.

The Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards recognise exceptional matriculating students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through a selection process based on candidates’ combined performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, O’Level examinations and Post-UTME assessments.

The programme also honours students in the Equal Opportunity category, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusion and wider access to educational opportunities.

The scholarship recipients expressed gratitude to Rite Foods for the recognition, describing the awards as an encouragement to remain committed to academic excellence and contribute positively to society.

Corporate support for education has become increasingly important in Nigeria as universities and students seek additional funding opportunities to reward academic achievement and improve access to quality education.

Initiatives such as the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards complement institutional efforts by recognising exceptional performance while encouraging healthy academic competition among young Nigerians.

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The awards form part of Rite Foods’ EYEC Corporate Social Responsibility framework, through which the company supports education, talent development and community-focused initiatives aimed at creating long-term social impact.