Sunbeth Global Concepts to Launch Multi-Million Naira Academic Reward Scheme at University of Ilorin

Leading agro-commodities sourcing and trading company, Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited, has announced plans to introduce a multi-million naira annual reward scheme targeted at outstanding students of the University of Ilorin, in a move aimed at promoting academic excellence and deepening industry–academia collaboration.

The initiative, currently being finalised, will award ₦10 million annually to the university’s overall best graduating student. In addition, a further ₦6 million will be distributed among three top-performing students selected from three different academic departments under a structured performance-based framework.

The development was disclosed during a courtesy visit by representatives of the company to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, where both parties concluded discussions on the modalities of the proposed partnership.

Prof. Egbewole commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention aligned with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector through meaningful private sector engagement. He noted that the decision by Sunbeth Global Concepts to invest in academic excellence reflects a forward-looking commitment to national development and institutional growth.

The Vice Chancellor further expressed optimism about the evolving partnership and called on other corporate organisations to adopt similar interventions, stressing that sustained investment in higher education remains critical to producing globally competitive graduates.

Earlier in the engagement, the Programme Lead of the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Programme (SEPP), Mr. Habeeb Yekeen, described the initiative as a structured intervention designed to reward merit, innovation, and high academic performance within the university system.

He explained that the Academic Distinction Award will be conferred on the overall best graduating student across all disciplines, establishing a unified benchmark for excellence.

He further outlined that under the SEPP Scholar Award category, selected departments will participate in the programme, with eligible students invited to apply. From these departments, nine outstanding students will be selected as SEPP Scholars, with three top performers receiving ₦2 million each based on academic excellence and programme evaluation metrics.

Beyond financial rewards, Mr. Yekeen noted that the scheme is designed as a long-term talent development pipeline. Beneficiaries under the SEPP Scholar category will gain access to structured mentorship from professionals at Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited, internship placements, and industry exposure aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.