Last week, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the official statistics for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to the statement, approximately 78% of candidates scored below 200 out of the total 400 points. Only 0.63%, representing 12,421 candidates, scored 300 and above, while a total of 24,535 candidates recorded scores below 100.
In this report, eelive.ng interviewed a Benue-born student William Idoko Alechenu to discuss 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?
INTERVIEW: My name is William Idoko Alechenu. I am from Ogbadibo Local Government Area in Benue State. I attended Foresight Secondary School.
REPORTER: What was growing up like for you? How did your upbringing shape your outlook on education and success?
WILLIAM: Growing up, my mother always supported me. Along with my family and church, they gave me advice that really changed my perspective on life and education.
REPORTER: Outside academics, what are your interests or hobbies? How do they complement your studies?
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WILLIAM: I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and reading comics. These activities help me relax and keep me mentally refreshed.
Academic Journey
REPORTER: What was your overall strategy in preparing for the UTME?
WILLIAM: My teachers advised me to create a reading timetable, which I adopted. I studied for 4 to 6 hours daily, taking a 30-minute break after each subject.
REPORTER: Did you rely solely on school instruction, or did you engage in extra tutoring or self-study?
WILLIAM: I attended extra lessons at Genius Spring Educational Institute, Festac Town and also did a lot of self-study using past questions and computer-based test software.
REPORTER: How did you structure your daily or weekly study schedule leading up to the exam?
WILLIAM: I stuck to my timetable and ensured consistency. I rotated subjects to maintain balance and took short breaks to avoid burnout.
REPORTER: Were there any particular subjects you found challenging? How did you overcome those difficulties?
WILLIAM: Yes, I found Mathematics, English, and Physics challenging because I was slow at solving questions. My teachers—especially Mr. Imani—helped me improve in those areas.
Motivation and Mindset
REPORTER: What motivated you to aim so high and achieve a score of 355?
WILLIAM: At first, I aimed for 324, but God blessed me with 355. I stayed motivated by trusting in God and believing in myself.
REPORTER: Was there a moment or turning point that made you take your studies more seriously?
WILLIAM: Yes, there was a turning point in SS2 after a series of advice from my mom, family members, and church members.
REPORTER: Who are your biggest role models, and how have they influenced your academic drive?
WILLIAM: I have several role models:
– My late father, who told me I had the potential to do great things.
– Mr. Ejiro, who bought me my first senior school textbook.
– Albert Einstein, for his work in theoretical physics.
– Mr. Dami Aregbesola, my JAMB lesson tutor.
– My teachers Mr. Imani and Mr. Michael. – Redeem Christian Church of God Joseph’s Palace YP1. – Uncle Richy and Mr Onoja
– Marvel characters Dr. Doom and Mr. Fantastic, who motivate me through their brilliance. – And most of all, my mom, for the support she has consistently given me.
Support System
REPORTER: What role did your parents, teachers, or mentors play in your success?
WILLIAM: My mom helped me in countless ways—by giving birth to me, raising me, and meeting my academic and personal needs. My teachers and mentors like Mr. Imani and Mr. Dami played huge roles in my academic success.
UTME Experience
REPORTER: How did you feel on the day of the exam? Were you nervous, confident, or somewhere in between?
WILLIAM: I felt confident because I knew God had my back. I remained calm and didn’t feel pressured.
REPORTER: What strategies did you employ during the exam to manage time and avoid stress?
WILLIAM: I avoided unnecessary use of the on-screen calculator and only used it when needed. I used any extra time to double-check my work and pray.
REPORTER: Were there any surprises in the exam—unexpected questions or patterns?
WILLIAM: Yes, there were some unexpected questions at times, but I found ways to tackle them eventually.
Technology and Resources
REPORTER: What materials or platforms did you find most helpful in preparing—textbooks, online tools, apps, mock tests?
WILLIAM: Past questions were extremely helpful. In my JAMB lesson, we also used computer software to simulate the exam environment.
REPORTER: Did you make use of past questions or practice tests? How much of a difference did they make?
WILLIAM: Yes, I used past questions consistently. They helped me get familiar with the exam pattern and improved my speed and accuracy.
Future Aspirations
REPORTER: What course do you intend to study at the university, and why?
WILLIAM: I want to study Chemical Engineering because I love Chemistry and Physics—and also because I admire Walter White from the Breaking Bad series.
REPORTER: What university are you hoping to gain admission into, and what informed your choice?
WILLIAM: I hope to gain admission into UNILAG, as I consider it one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria.
REPORTER: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
WILLIAM:By this time in 5 years, by the grace of God who remains my fortress, I envision the world celebrating me again, but in an even better way – not just as a fresh graduate of the esteemed and prestigious University of Lagos (Unilag), but also as the best graduating student of the Chemical Engineering Department and the university at large. Until then, I will continue studying diligently to prove myself worthy in the eyes of both God and the relevant authorities.
Advice to Others
REPORTER: What advice would you give to students preparing for the next UTME?
WILLIAM: Start early, work hard, and always ask your teachers for help because you can’t know everything on your own.
Final Thoughts
REPORTER: How has this achievement changed your life so far—personally or within your community?
WILLIAM: It has boosted my confidence and brought joy to my family, friends, my school, and Genius Spring Institute.
REPORTER: Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank or dedicate this success to?
WILLIAM: I’d like to thank my mom, Mr. Dami Aregbesola, Mr. Imani, my principal, and the following people: Uncle Batty, Aunty Mfon, Uncle Richie, Auntie Kemi, Aunty Elizabeth, my landlady and her children, Mr. and Mrs. Onuoha, my church—Redeemed Christian Church of God Joseph Palace Youth Province 1—Pastor Leke Adeboye, Pastor Ope, Mr. Ejiro, Mr. Michael, Mr. Nathaniel, my brother and sister, my best friend Princess, Mr. Obinna, Mr. Jude, David Dada Great, and my friends both at school and at home.