The Edo State Government has gifted Daniel Osagiobare, one of the highest-scoring candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, N1 million for his outstanding academic performance.
Osagiobare, an Edo indigene, scored 368 out of 400 marks to rank among the leading candidates in the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.
His score also made him the highest-scoring candidate from Nigeria’s South-South region among the candidates listed in JAMB’s national top-scoring rankings.
JAMB unveiled its 2026 top-performing candidates at its Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Abuja on May 11.
Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin of Ekiti State emerged as the overall highest scorer with 372 marks, followed by Enwere Kingsley Ikenna of Imo State with 370 and Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel of Ondo State with 369.
Several candidates, including Osagiobare, recorded 368 marks, placing them jointly in the next tier of the national ranking. The other candidates with the same score were from Oyo, Imo, Osun and Anambra states.
The Edo Government presented the N1 million reward during a reception organized in honour of Osagiobare, with Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa saying the gesture was aimed at recognizing the student’s academic achievement and encouraging excellence among young people in the state.
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Idahosa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting quality education and creating an environment where young people can develop their talents and realize their potential.
“The future of our nation lies in the hands of brilliant young minds like Daniel. We will continue to celebrate and encourage excellence in every sector,” he said.
The deputy governor urged Osagiobare to remain focused on his studies and assured him of the government’s continued support for exceptional talents.
Osagiobare, in his response, thanked the state government for the recognition and financial support, describing the reward as an encouragement to pursue greater academic achievements.
His father, Christopher Osagiobare, also expressed appreciation to the Edo Government for recognising his son’s performance.
He said the reward would not only encourage Daniel to maintain his academic standards but would also motivate other young people in the state to pursue excellence in their studies.
The 2026 UTME top-scoring list highlights the highly competitive nature of the examination, with the leading candidates recording scores of between 367 and 372 out of a possible 400 marks.
JAMB’s published rankings show that Osagiobare’s 368 placed him among the country’s strongest performers in the examination.
For Osagiobare, the recognition from Edo State adds a public commendation to an achievement that has placed him among the country’s leading UTME performers, while the state government says it hopes the reward will inspire other students to pursue academic excellence.
NAN
