Sixteen-year-old Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin, who emerged as the overall highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has received a ₦1 million scholarship from the Ekiti Parapo Association of Indiana, USA, in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement.
Daniella, who scored an impressive 372 out of 400 in the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was honoured during a ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, where members of the association, community leaders, family members and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her outstanding performance.
Presenting the scholarship, the President of the Ekiti Parapo Association of Indiana, USA, Deacon Abiodun Falodun, said the award was intended to recognise academic excellence and encourage young Nigerians to remain committed to hard work, discipline and the pursuit of knowledge. He noted that the association remains committed to supporting educational development and rewarding outstanding students whose achievements bring pride to their communities.
The award recipient, who hopes to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), expressed appreciation for the honour, describing the recognition as both humbling and encouraging. Reflecting on the occasion in a Facebook post, Daniella said she felt overwhelmed by the love and support shown by family members, friends and members of the association, adding, “I am deeply humbled by every act of kindness shown to me. May the Almighty God richly reward you all for your generosity and thoughtfulness.”
She also extended gratitude to the Ekiti Parapo Association of Indiana, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi Amoyimade Atayese I, the Obaleo of Erinmope-Ekiti, Hon. Awoniyi, her parents, relatives and everyone who attended the event to celebrate her achievement.
Beyond celebrating her success, Daniella encouraged candidates preparing for the 2027 UTME to begin their studies early and remain focused throughout their preparation. Drawing from her personal experience, she advised prospective candidates against last-minute reading, stressing that consistency, discipline and proper planning were key factors behind her exceptional performance.
Her remarkable accomplishment has continued to attract commendation from different quarters, with many describing it as an inspiring example of what determination, effective preparation and family support can achieve. The scholarship award also reflects the growing role of community organisations in recognising academic excellence and motivating young Nigerians to strive for greater accomplishments.
For many aspiring students, Daniella’s journey serves as a reminder that excellence is attainable through dedication and perseverance, while the recognition she has received underscores the importance of celebrating outstanding educational achievements as a means of inspiring the next generation of scholars.
