With the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) statistics by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the performance gap across the country became clear—nearly 78% of candidates scored below 200 out of 400, while only 0.63% (12,421 candidates) scored 300 and above.
In the midst of these numbers stands 16-year-old Edidjana Godspower, a determined and focused student who scored an outstanding 359.
In this report, eelive spoke with the bright and articulate candidate about his academic journey, daily habits, sources of motivation, and advice for fellow students.
Personal Background
Reporter: Can you tell us a bit about yourself—your name, age, where you’re from, and the school you attended?
Edidjana: My name is Edidjana Godspower. I am 16 years old and I attended Foresight International School.
Reporter: What was growing up like for you? How did your upbringing shape your outlook on education and success?
Edidjana: Growing up, my parents always pushed me and my siblings to be the best versions of ourselves. That had a great impact on my academic life.
Reporter: Outside academics, what are your interests or hobbies? How do they complement your studies?
Edidjana: My hobbies are singing and swimming with my brothers. These activities help me relieve stress from my studies.
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Academic Journey
Reporter: What was your overall strategy in preparing for the UTME?
Edidjana: I like reading by myself and listening to explanations, as the overall process helps cement knowledge in my head.
Reporter: Did you rely solely on school instruction, or did you engage in extra tutoring or self-study?
Edidjana: I didn’t rely solely on school instruction. I attended a tutorial called Genius Spring Educational Institute located at 7th Avenue Festac Town, Lagos, that focused on JAMB preparation, and I also did a lot of self-study.
Reporter: How did you structure your daily or weekly study schedule leading up to the exam?
Edidjana: Honestly, I was barely consistent with my reading timetable, but I made sure I learned something every waking moment.
Reporter: Were there any particular subjects you found challenging? How did you overcome those difficulties?
Edidjana: I struggled a lot with Physics. In my first personal mock in January, I scored 55 in Physics, which made me realize I had to improve. Genius Spring Institute and my self-study really helped me raise that score.
Motivation and Mindset
Reporter: What motivated you to aim high in the UTME?
Edidjana: I’ve wanted to study Medicine since childhood, and that dream has always driven me.
Reporter: Was there a moment or turning point that made you take your studies more seriously?
Edidjana: Yes, in SS1 I got a B3 (68) in Biology, my favourite subject. I was heartbroken and knew I had to step up.
Reporter: Who are your biggest role models, and how have they influenced your academic drive?
Edidjana: My biggest role model is my elder brother. I’ve always seen him work hard and stay determined to become a programmer, and now that he’s successful, he motivates me to persevere and achieve my own goals.
Support System
Reporter: What role did your parents, teachers, or mentors play in your success?
Edidjana: My parents, teachers, and mentors played a major role. Especially Mr. Dami Aregbesola Samson, head of Genius Spring Institute, who constantly motivated us and believed in our potential.
Reporter: How did your friends and peers influence your academic journey—positively or otherwise?
Edidjana: My friends and peers were also determined, and that had a positive impact on me.
UTME Experience
Reporter: How did you feel on the day of the exam? Were you nervous, confident, or somewhere in between?
Edidjana: I was confident, but when I started, my hands were shaking. I eventually calmed down.
Reporter: What strategies did you employ during the exam to manage time and avoid stress?
Edidjana: I skipped any question I wasn’t sure about and returned to it later to manage time and reduce stress.
Reporter: Were there any surprises in the exam—unexpected questions or patterns?
Edidjana: Yes, there were unfamiliar questions, but I used the elimination method to find the correct answers.
Resources
Reporter: What materials or platforms did you find most helpful in preparing—textbooks, online tools, apps, mock tests?
Edidjana: I recommend New School for Chemistry, Modern Biology for Biology, New School and Senior Secondary for Physics. CBT apps like Myschool and TestDriller are also great for practice.
Reporter: Did you make use of past questions or practice tests? How much of a difference did they make?
Edidjana: Yes, I did a lot of past questions, and they helped a lot. I even saw some repeated questions in my exam.
Future Aspirations
Reporter: What course do you intend to study at the university, and why?
Edidjana: I want to study Medicine because it has always been my dream to become a General Surgeon.
Reporter: What university are you hoping to gain admission into, and what informed your choice?
Edidjana: I applied to the University of Ibadan because my research showed it has the best Medicine and Surgery program in Nigeria.
Reporter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
Edidjana: In the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself abroad.
Advice to Others
Reporter: What advice would you give to students preparing for the next UTME?
Edidjana: Stay focused and motivated. Even if it’s just a little, try to learn something new every day—it goes a long way.
Reporter: If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Edidjana: I would take revision more seriously, as I was very inconsistent with it.
Final Thoughts
Reporter: How has this achievement changed your life so far—personally or within your community?
Edidjana: It has changed my life in a beautiful way. Everyone is proud of me.
Reporter: Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank or dedicate this success to?
Edidjana: I’d like to thank Mr. Dami Aregbesola Samson for his strong commitment to helping us succeed. I really appreciate him.