Teen Genius Breaks Records: Inside the Mind of Nigeria’s Top UTME Scorer

• 
  Samuel Chukwuemeka, a 15-year-old student, recently broke an 11-year-old Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) record when he achieved a score of 372 in the 2025 JAMB examination, thereby setting a new standard.
  
• 
  During an exclusive talk with .ng, Samuel, who will turn 16 in December, shared insights into his preparation tactics and daily schedule ahead of the examination.
  
• 
  Samuel’s dad, Anthony Chukwudi Azoyenime, also told .ng about his feelings upon hearing about his son’s outstanding UTME score.
  

Since 2013, nobody had achieved a perfect score of 372 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), until 15-year-old Azoyenime Samuel Chukwuemeka excelled in the JAMB exam in 2025.

A student from Isaac Newton Schools in Matogun Area, Ogun State, achieved scores of 78 in English, 98 in Chemistry, 98 in Physics, and 98 in Mathematics, thereby breaking an 11-year-old Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) record. As per available information up until early 2025, this remains unmatched despite some issues reported during the exam process.

During an exclusive interview with

.ng

, Samuel opened up completely, sharing his study techniques, academic ambitions, and his dreams.

Samuel discusses his approach to preparing for the UTME exam.

.ng

I inquired with Samuel,originating fromDelta State, regardinghis preparatory approachand typical day-to-day schedulein the lead-upto the examination,which resulted in hisoutstanding performance.The youngster responded as follows:

I genuinely achieved an outstanding score. In truth, I’ve been getting ready for UTME 2025 ever since SSS1 began. Every day, I used the My School Mobile App to take a simulated two-hour JAMB CBT test virtually every single day. This wasn’t an effortless endeavor; however, it helped me identify my weaker spots so I could work on improving those aspects.

That was indeed the study approach along with the everyday schedule that got me ready for the examination. However, having been a pupil at Isaac Newton Schools from Primary 1 onwards for nearly ten years, I experienced transformation each day.

Additionally, thanks to the supplementary classes held every Saturday and Sunday by our dedicated instructors at school, I managed to reach my goals. Often, even after attending these sessions, I continued studying late into the night until around 3 AM or 4 AM. Moreover, as the exams drew near, I started using the TestDriller UTME app provided by Isaac Newton Schools. For roughly one month leading up to the tests, I used this application daily for preparation and participated in their weekly TestDriller UTME Challenges—a sort of preview for UTME 2025—where I competed against more than 2000 prospective test-takers.

I accomplished all of this during my preparation, without forgetting my Creator, Almighty God. I placed Him at the forefront and entrusted everything to His complete control, and He truly took charge of my life as promised.

How Samuel managed his interests alongside preparing for UTME

Although he acknowledged having certain instances during his preparations where he recognized he was striving for something exceptional, Samuel, aspiring to pursue aerospace engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), explained how he managed to juggle his other pastimes and interests alongside his UTME studies.

Balancing studies with personal interests or hobbies can be quite challenging. Initially, I refrained from installing any games on my phone and ensured I had no spare time for watching sports or films.”

I didn’t refrain from doing those things because they were wrong; rather, I understood that every activity has its appropriate moment in life. Thus, I structured my schedule accordingly so as to concentrate fully on my academic pursuits.

The primary drive for Samuel during his UTME preparation was his ambition.

Samuel told

.ng

He was really striving for a score of 380. When asked what motivated him most on his path toward the examination, Samuel, who will turn 16 in December, stated:

The main driving force behind me was my senior, Nwanegbo Victor, who graduated from our school the previous year. He achieved the highest JAMB 2024 score at Isaac Newton Schools, scoring 334.

This inspired me, just as he motivated the class of 2025 to surpass his achievements, which I accomplished through divine assistance along with several of my peers. Additionally, I observed the pattern among top JAMB scores from 2023 onwards and aimed to break those records with God’s help.

Samuel’s dad responds to his UTME result

.ng

Additionally, they spoke with Samuel’s father, Anthony Chukwudi Azoyenime, regarding his son’s remarkable academic achievement and his feelings about it. The elated father was unable to hide his happiness.

Hearing about my son’s UTME score filled me with happiness, thrill, and an immense sense of accomplishment. This didn’t come as a shock since these were typically the results he achieved throughout the pre-UTME CBT tests or practice sessions.

Ultimately, our glory belongs to God Almighty, the source of knowledge and father of Jesus Christ, His beloved son, through whom this was accomplished.

Why did Samuel write the UTME even though he was below the required age?

.ng

I asked Samuel’s father, who works as an accountant, why his son took the exam at such a young age, and he mentioned that it was due to the boy’s impressive academic history.

The individual, who is 58 years old, expressed his confidence that Samuel wouldn’t let them down, and the youngster certainly met expectations.

Observing Samuel’s academic background over the years alongside his achievements inside and beyond school competitions led me to believe that he is unlikely to let us down. Moreover, he encountered external examination standards starting from his SSS-1 level, and I noticed with interest that he has consistently performed exceptionally well. Additionally, he is adept with information technology, which he has mastered since childhood.

He could effortlessly address any typical academic hurdles, whether online or through his always supportive schoolteachers. I genuinely believe he has the potential and with divine help, he was bound to thrive.

So, I had no reason not to trust and provide him with all necessary backing at that crucial moment, acting as his father. As it turns out, he has validated our faith in him. This success is solely due to divine providence.

Samuel’s father discusses the support his family provided him.

A thrilled Mr. Chukwudi shared insights into supporting Samuel both emotionally and academically during his preparatory phase.

A parent’s aspiration is to witness their children thriving in every aspect of life, including their educational journey.

My previous role as a Youth Leader at Deeper Life Bible Church proved useful. As a result, he received all the necessary emotional and academic support during his presentation.

We made certain that as a family, we gave him ample time and comfort to focus on his education, lightened his share of household tasks appropriately, supplied adequate internet access for essential online research, offered paternal guidance, and most importantly, backed his efforts with prayer for divine support. Today’s achievements are celebrated, bringing glory to God.

The pastor’s son’s UTME score appears online

Meanwhile,

.ng

Earlier reports indicated that the 2025 UTME results of a pastor’s son gained widespread notice following their sharing on social media platforms.

A woman named Bose shared the young man’s result on Facebook. She mentioned that the student achieved a score of 309 in 2024, yet she stated that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) denied him admission due to his age being only 15, which they consider too young for enrollment.

Even though he faced challenges due to his age, Bose mentioned that Faith embraced the opportunity to retake the exam in 2025 and achieved a score of 326.