Chinedu Okeke, the highest scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with an impressive 375, speaks about the discipline, challenges, and strategies that led to his remarkable success—and the lessons other students can learn.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 20 years old and a graduate of St. Jude’s Private School in Festac.

Scoring the highest in the UTME is no small feat. What helped you achieve this?

Consistency was key. I studied daily using textbooks, notes, and past UTME questions. I also attended Achievers Educator Academy, a tutorial centre with great resources, including a CBT (Computer-Based Test) system that allowed me to practise weekly. Starting early and maintaining focus made a big difference.

Describe your daily reading routine.

After UTME lessons, I’d study from 4 pm to 10 pm—almost every day. I wasn’t just memorizing; I focused on truly understanding concepts. I also read in the mornings before lessons began.

You previously studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Did that experience influence your UTME performance?

Not really. I was admitted in 2021 to study Medicine and Surgery, but I later lost interest, and it affected my performance. I eventually realised my true passion lies in Mathematics and Physics, so I withdrew in 2024. That decision helped me refocus on what I truly love.

Why did you initially choose Medicine?

At the time, I thought becoming a doctor was the right path. But as I progressed, I realised I wasn’t passionate about it. After discussions with my parents, I chose to step away and pursue what I really enjoy.

What course are you planning to study now?

Mechanical Engineering—it combines my love for Mathematics and Physics, and I’m confident it will keep me motivated and focused.

What advice would you give students preparing for UTME?

Start early, be consistent, and attend a reliable tutorial centre. Don’t rely on cramming—focus on understanding topics. Practice with past UTME questions and use JAMB-recommended textbooks. Regular CBT practice also helps build confidence and track progress.

You’ve praised your tutorial centre a lot. How important are tutorials for UTME candidates?

Very important. Achievers Educator Academy (ICAN branch) gave me a structured environment, quality materials, and regular CBT practice. Some students don’t perform well even after attending tutorials, but that could be due to the quality of the centre or their own effort.

Based on your educational experiences, what changes should the government make to improve learning in Nigeria?

Practical learning is lacking, especially in science and technical fields. We need more hands-on exposure with tools and projects—not just theory. Also, the curriculum needs to be updated to reflect current industry needs, including digital skills and problem-solving. These changes would make education more relevant and impactful.

There was a mix-up concerning your state of origin during registration. Would you like to clarify?

Yes. I’m from Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra State. During my first JAMB registration in 2021, Lagos (my state of residence) was mistakenly listed as my state of origin. I tried correcting it with my dad through multiple visits to JAMB offices in Lagos and Anambra, but it wasn’t resolved in time. It wasn’t an attempt at dishonesty—just a clerical error that proved difficult to fix.