Top Scorers in 2025 UTME Share Secrets Behind Their Success

Some of the highest-performing candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have opened up about the effort and mindset that helped them achieve outstanding results, with many scoring above 340 overall and over 90 in Mathematics.

In a series of interviews conducted in Ibadan, the candidates highlighted discipline, consistency, and strong personal vision as the driving forces behind their success—alongside a deep reliance on prayer and support systems.

A Goal-Oriented Approach

Fifteen-year-old Temiloluwa Afolabi, a student of Oritamefa Baptist Model School, scored an impressive 98 in Mathematics and 363 overall. He emphasized the importance of staying focused on one’s goals and working steadily toward them.

“Success begins with a vision,” he said. “You have to see the goal clearly, believe in it, and then back it up with consistent effort. If you can’t visualize what you want to achieve, it becomes hard to pursue it.”

Afolabi encouraged fellow students to combine hard work with faith and determination. “Set your eyes on the target and don’t let go. That’s how I made it.”

Hard Work and Repetition

Another top scorer, Olarenwaju Okubanjo, 16, from Christ Ambassadors International College, scored 97 in Mathematics and achieved a total of 360. He credited his results to persistent studying and constant practice with past UTME questions.

“I read my textbooks repeatedly and tackled as many past questions as I could. I didn’t stop,” he said. “Alongside that, I kept praying. Eventually, everything paid off.”

Okubanjo, who plans to study Mechanical Engineering at Pan-Atlantic University, advised students to remain consistent, even when the process feels overwhelming. “It’s just a phase,” he added. “It will be worth it in the end.”

Daily Practice and a Solid Plan

Also from Christ Ambassadors International College, 15-year-old Bogotinjetoluwa Ayodeji-Olatuyi scored 98 in Mathematics and 345 overall. His secret was a daily routine of test practice and a clear-cut strategy to improve his scores.

“I created a plan with daily goals and stuck to it,” he explained. “I took mock tests nearly every day and made it a point to work on my mathematical skills constantly.”

With aspirations to specialize in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Ayodeji-Olatuyi urged other students to avoid procrastination and commit to their plans.

“You must be intentional,” he said. “Avoid excuses, and focus on consistent improvement. Solving math problems every day has been one of my best habits.”

A Rare Achievement

According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), only 4,756 out of 1,955,069 candidates—representing just 0.24 percent—scored 320 or above in the 2025 UTME. This makes the accomplishments of these students especially commendable.

Their stories stand as proof that with vision, structure, and discipline, academic excellence is achievable—even in highly competitive exams like the UTME.