Sixteen-year-old Daniella Jesudunsin Owoeye has been awarded a ₦1 million scholarship after emerging as the highest-scoring candidate in Nigeria's 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with an outstanding score of 372 out of 400.
The scholarship was presented by the Ekiti Parapo Association, Indiana, USA, in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement and remarkable performance in the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The award presentation took place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during a ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where family members, community leaders, education stakeholders and supporters gathered to celebrate her accomplishment.
Daniella, who hails from Ekiti State, sat for the examination in Ogun State and outperformed millions of candidates nationwide to secure the highest score recorded in the 2026 UTME.
The scholarship cheque was presented by the President of the Ekiti Parapo Association of Indiana, USA, Deacon Abiodun Falodun, who described the teenager's achievement as a source of pride for Ekiti people both at home and in the diaspora.
Falodun said the award was intended to recognize excellence, encourage academic dedication and inspire other young Nigerians to pursue their educational goals with determination and discipline.
Daniella expressed gratitude to the association for the recognition and thanked her family, traditional leaders, teachers and everyone who contributed to her academic journey and success.
She revealed that she hopes to study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which she selected as her first-choice institution for tertiary education.
Her achievement has attracted widespread commendation across Nigeria, with educators and public figures praising her hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence in a highly competitive examination.
Education advocates have also used the occasion to call for increased investment in scholarships, mentorship initiatives and academic support programmes capable of nurturing exceptional talents and strengthening the country's future workforce.
Observers believe Daniella's success story serves as an inspiration to students across the country, demonstrating that dedication, proper preparation and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements regardless of background.
As admission processes continue nationwide, her accomplishment stands as one of the most celebrated academic success stories of 2026 and a reminder of the immense potential within Nigeria's young generation.