“Leaving UNN wasn’t failure — it was me choosing purpose over pressure.”
Chinedu Okeke, the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) top scorer, has attributed his success to early preparation, consistent study routines, and choosing subjects he’s truly passionate about.
Speaking with Grace Edema in an interview, the 20 year old who scored 375 said, “I read almost every day from 4 pm to 10 pm, going over my notes and practicing past UTME questions.” He credited his tutorial centre, Achievers Educator Academy, for providing structured learning and CBT practice.
Chinedu previously studied Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but later withdrew. “I realised Medicine wasn’t my calling,” he said. He now plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, aligning with his interests in Mathematics and Physics.
He encouraged students to focus on understanding concepts and start preparations early. He also urged the government to improve practical learning and update Nigeria’s curriculum. Addressing a state-of-origin registration issue, Chinedu clarified the mix-up was a system error, not dishonesty.
“My parents supported my decision to switch careers and motivated me throughout,” he added, emphasizing the importance of parental support and discipline in academic success.