Meet the Deeper Life High School Students Who Scored Above 350 in UTME 2025

Two students from Deeper Life High School—David Kikisoko (Abuja campus) and Oluwasoga Ayoyimika (Ibadan campus)—have made headlines after scoring 371 and 368 respectively in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In this exclusive feature, they shared how dedication, structure, mentorship, and faith shaped their academic success.

David Kikisoko: “I Wanted to Beat My Brother’s Score”

Age and Background
David is 15 years old and hails from the Basange tribe in Kogi State. Born in Kaduna and raised in Abuja, he’s the second of three children.

What Sparked His Ambition
David’s drive for academic excellence started early. He was always curious about how things worked, which led him to coding school and sparked his interest in programming, robotics, AI, and machine learning.

A key motivator was his elder brother’s UTME score—above 300—which he was determined to surpass. Inspiration also came from his schoolmates who previously scored 360 and 365 in UTME, and a conversation with his principal that pushed his goal to 380.

Preparation and Strategy
David’s school routine provided a structured environment that supported personal study. Between morning quiet time, afternoon prep, and night sessions, he followed a consistent schedule. He used a UTME test drill app daily on his father’s recommendation and tracked his progress over time.

Study Style
While he often studied alone using the app to test himself, David also engaged in group study to exchange ideas and solve past questions collaboratively.

Subject Combination and Challenges
David wrote English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Physics proved to be the most challenging, regularly pulling his test scores down. English also required extra attention. He tackled these by reading additional textbooks, using a targeted timetable, and doing topical analysis with resources like the Prep 50 textbook.

Support System
David credited his family and teachers for their constant encouragement. His father monitored his daily test scores, while his teachers provided materials, mentorship, and moral support.

Handling Burnout and Self-Doubt
There were moments when exhaustion and doubt crept in. David managed this by prioritizing rest, praying for strength, and adjusting his schedule to avoid mental fatigue.

Reaction to the Result
David was stunned to see 371. Though confident in his preparation, he hadn’t expected such a high score. His family was thrilled, especially his mother who reportedly couldn’t sleep after hearing the news.

Message to Other Students
He advises others to pray consistently, set clear targets, and establish a reading routine that aligns with their personal strengths. “Write down your goal where you can see it daily—it works,” he said.

Future Plans
David aims to study Computer Engineering, pursue a PhD, and work with innovative companies to solve real-world problems.

Oluwasoga Ayoyimika: “Preparation Started in SS1”

Age and Background
Oluwasoga is from Owo, Ondo State, and grew up in Ibadan. She’s the third of four siblings and will turn 16 in July.

How the Journey Began
Her academic drive was sparked in SS1 after watching a school video interview of a student who topped the UTME that year. That moment lit a fire in her to aim high.

Preparation Timeline
By SS2, Oluwasoga was already participating in competitions such as the MAN, STAN, and Mathematics Olympiad. These helped her revise the syllabus repeatedly before SS3. Her school provided a UTME test drill app, which she used consistently to track her growth. Her first test score was around 230, but with determination and prayer, her scores improved steadily.

Study Approach
She followed the UTME syllabus strictly. With her group, they read intensively—completing over 100 pages of textbooks in two weeks. They summarized content for quick review and focused solely on their four UTME subjects in the final week before the exam.

School Routine and Adjustments
In SS3, her school adjusted the timetable to give students more prep time. She used this framework to manage her time effectively, reading till midnight and resting when necessary.

Subject Focus
She sat for English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Physics was her easiest subject, while English was the most difficult. Her English teacher, Mr. Ujah Peter, played a crucial role by organizing extra sessions and offering one-on-one support—even staying overnight at times to ensure the students were progressing.

Group Study
Oluwasoga had a close-knit study group of three. They challenged one another with questions, exchanged insights, and supported each other academically.

Support from Family and Friends
Her classmates shared knowledge freely, while her parents, especially her mother, provided moral and emotional support. “Anytime I needed something, she was there,” she said.

Dealing with Doubts and Burnout
She initially doubted herself due to low practice scores. But consistent feedback from teachers and prayers helped rebuild her confidence. To avoid burnout, she paced her reading schedule and ensured she rested after intense study periods.

Health Warning
Oluwasoga experienced severe fatigue and fever due to overstudying. This became a wake-up call to balance study with self-care.

UTME Outcome and Reaction
She scored 368, exceeding her family’s expectation of 350. Her parents were proud, and she felt accomplished. “I know I’ve made a name for myself in Deeper Life High School,” she said.

Advice to Students
She advises students to identify a reading method that suits their health and environment. She recommends focusing only on the UTME subjects as the exam nears and staying consistent with revision.

Academic Ambitions
Oluwasoga plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, attracted by the school’s academic excellence and proximity.