Sixteen-year-old Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin, who emerged as the overall highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has been awarded a ₦1 million academic scholarship in recognition of her outstanding performance.
The financial award was presented to her by the Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, United States, an association of Ekiti State indigenes in the diaspora, to celebrate her historic academic feat.
Overwhelming Support and Gratitude
The brilliant teenager announced the development via her social media page, expressing profound gratitude to the diaspora group, her family, and well-wishers.
“It was truly a memorable and heartwarming moment to be celebrated and surrounded by the love of family, friends, and well-wishers,” Owoeye wrote, reflecting on the milestone. “My heart is filled with profound gratitude. I specifically appreciate the Ekiti Parapo in Indiana, USA, for the scholarship, generosity, and encouragement.”
The Road to 372: “I Studied Smart, Not Hard”
Daniella, an indigene of Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State who sat the computer-based test in Ogun State, scored an astonishing 372 out of a maximum of 400 points.
Her phenomenal performance placed her at the very top of more than two million candidates who registered for the 2026 national tertiary admissions cycle.
Speaking on how she unlocked the near-perfect score, the young scholar revealed that she focused heavily on strategic, structured preparation rather than exhausting study marathons.
“I didn’t study 24 hours a day. I didn’t just study hard; I was smart with it. I made past questions my best friend. Know your weak points and attack them early.” — Daniella Owoeye
Her brilliant subject-by-subject score breakdown includes:
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English Language: 98
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Chemistry: 98
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Physics: 94
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Biology: 82
Next Stop: UNILAG College of Medicine
Following her official recognition at the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting in Abuja, Daniella’s academic future is already taking shape.
She has selected the highly competitive Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as her first-choice course and institution.
With her newly secured ₦1 million scholarship and growing recognition from both her home state government and international educational bodies, the future looks exceptionally bright for Nigeria’s brightest young mind of 2026.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
