Excellence Rewarded: Nigeria’s Top UTME Candidate Receives ₦1m Grant

The highest-scoring candidate in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Daniella Owoeye Jesudunsin, has received a ₦1 million scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.

The scholarship was presented by Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, USA, after Daniella recorded an impressive score of 372 out of 400, the highest in the 2026 UTME. The 16-year-old, who hails from Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, is seeking admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Reacting to the honour on her Facebook page, Daniella expressed profound gratitude to the scholarship sponsors, her family, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers for celebrating her achievement. She described the occasion as memorable and appreciated Ekiti Parapo in Indiana for recognising her hard work and encouraging her to aim even higher. She also thanked the Obaleo of Erinmope-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi Amoyimade Atayese I, the President of Ekiti Parapo, Hon. Awoniyi, her parents, relatives and everyone who attended the celebration, praying for God’s blessings upon them.
Daniella scored 98 in English Language, 98 in Chemistry, 94 in Physics and 82 in Biology to emerge as Nigeria’s best-performing UTME candidate with a total of 372 marks. Speaking on the secret behind her success, she attributed it to early preparation, consistency, strategic learning and regular practice using past questions, CBT applications, online tutorials and study groups. Her exceptional performance has continued to attract commendation and support from individuals and organisations, with many describing her achievement as an inspiration to students across the country.