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Summary: 16-year-old Daniella Owoeye Jesudunsin, the overall best candidate in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has been awarded a ₦1 million scholarship in recognition of her exceptional academic performance.
Daniella, an indigene of Ekiti State, emerged as the highest-scoring candidate in the 2026 UTME after recording an outstanding score of 372 out of 400, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). She topped more than 2.2 million candidates who registered for the examination nationwide.
The scholarship was presented by the Ekiti Parapo Association of Indiana, USA, during a ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The association’s president, Deacon Abiodun Falodun, presented the ₦1 million cheque to the teenager as support for her university education.
Daniella, who intends to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), expressed appreciation to the association and everyone who celebrated her achievement.
In a message shared after the award ceremony, she described the event as “memorable and heartwarming,” thanking the Ekiti Parapo Association for its generosity and acknowledging the support of her parents, family members, community leaders and well-wishers.
“I sincerely appreciate the Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, USA, for their exceptional care, generosity, and immeasurable love,” she said, adding that the recognition would continue to inspire her academic journey.
Daniella also thanked His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi Amoyimade Atayese I, the Obaleo of Erinmope-Ekiti, alongside other dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony.
Earlier, the Ekiti State Government publicly celebrated her success, describing it as evidence of the transformative power of education and a source of pride for the state.
Daniella was announced as the overall best candidate during JAMB’s 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja, where the examination body unveiled the list of the nation’s highest-performing candidates.
