“I Studied Six Hours Daily After JAMB Lessons” — 2025 UTME Top Scorer, Chinedu Okeke Shares His Success Journey

Chinedu Okeke, a 20-year-old student from St. Jude’s Private School, Festac, emerged as the top scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with an impressive score of 375. In this exclusive interview, he shares the discipline, routines, and personal discoveries that paved the way for his achievement—offering inspiration and advice for aspiring students across Nigeria.

Consistency and Early Preparation: The Key to Success

Reflecting on his academic journey, Chinedu attributes his performance to unwavering discipline and consistent study habits. “I studied daily, using my school textbooks, notes, and past UTME questions. I also attended lessons at Achievers Educator Academy, which had CBT (Computer-Based Test) facilities that helped me practice regularly,” he explained.

His structured routine included reading every evening from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., as well as brief morning study sessions before lessons. “It wasn’t about cramming,” he emphasized. “I focused on understanding concepts thoroughly.”

From Medicine to Engineering: A Shift in Passion

Interestingly, this is not Chinedu’s first foray into tertiary education. In 2021, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to study Medicine and Surgery. However, over time, he recognized that his true interests lay in Mathematics and Physics.

“I initially thought I wanted to become a doctor, but I began to lose interest. Eventually, I realized that Medicine wasn’t my calling. After discussing with my parents, I made the difficult decision to withdraw in 2024,” he shared.

Now, Chinedu is set to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a field that aligns with his natural interests and academic strengths. “Engineering feels like a language I understand. I’m more confident and determined than ever to stay focused and excel.”

The Role of a Quality Tutorial Centre

Chinedu credits much of his success to the support he received from his tutorial centre, Achievers Educator Academy (ICAN branch). “They provided quality materials, excellent teaching, and regular CBT practice. It created a structured environment that kept me on track,” he noted.

He encourages other students to seek quality tutorial programs and not to underestimate their impact. “Even the best tutorial won’t work unless the student is committed. But when both align, the results can be exceptional.”

Lessons for the Government and Education Sector

From his experience in both university and tutorial settings, Chinedu advocates for more hands-on, practical learning in schools—particularly in science and technology. “Many institutions focus too much on theory. We need exposure to real tools, projects, and practical applications to truly grasp what we’re learning.”

He also emphasizes the need for curriculum reform to integrate digital skills, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. “Our education must align with today’s realities and prepare students for the job market.”

Clarifying a Controversy: State of Origin Mix-Up

During his JAMB registration process, Chinedu encountered a mix-up regarding his state of origin. Originally from Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra State, an error listed Lagos—his state of residence—as his origin.

“We made every effort to correct it,” he explained. “My dad and I visited multiple JAMB offices in Lagos and Anambra. We also paid for a data correction and updated my NIN profile. Eventually, it was resolved, but it was never an attempt to misrepresent anything.”

The Role of Parental Support

Chinedu’s success story would not be complete without mentioning the unwavering support of his parents. “They respected my decision to change courses and helped me find a tutorial centre. They constantly encouraged me and gave me the push I needed to stay committed.”

Advice to Fellow Students

When asked what advice he would give to others preparing for UTME, Chinedu shared:

“Start early. Be consistent. Choose a good tutorial centre. Focus on understanding, not just memorizing. Practice with past questions and recommended textbooks. Discipline is everything.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As he prepares to begin his new academic journey at the University of Lagos, Chinedu has his sights set on a future in innovation and mechanical systems. “I hope to work with a leading engineering firm or start my own company someday—solving real problems with technology and engineering tailored for Africa.”

For Chinedu, education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about building the mindset, discipline, and skills needed to make a lasting impact.