How 16-Year-Old Apampa Scored 351 in 2025 UTME: In the words of William Shakespeare from his timeless play Measure for Measure:
“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”
This quote beautifully captures the story of Apampa Kikiloluwa, a determined 16-year-old student of Lagoon Secondary School, who turned a setback into a remarkable academic victory.
Initially, Apampa was shocked when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced that she scored 158 out of 400 in the 2025 UTME. Although this result came as a surprise and disappointment, she did not let it define her. Instead of giving up, she chose to rise above the challenge.
Turning Setback Into Success
With a strong commitment to academic excellence and a resilient mindset, Apampa retook the exam during the rescheduled UTME session and scored an outstanding 351 out of 400. This rare achievement showcases not only her brilliance but also her unwavering dedication to achieving her goals.
In the UTME resit, she recorded the following scores:
- English Language: 65/100
- Mathematics: 98/100
- Physics: 98/100
- Chemistry: 90/100
This resulted in a total aggregate of 351/400, placing her among the top-performing candidates in the country.
Dreams Beyond Borders
Apampa has a clear vision for her future. She plans to take her A-levels and pursue a degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. Her ambition is not just personal; she hopes to build a future where technology works for everyone.
“My goal is to help shape a future where technology works for everyone and makes the world a better place,” she said in an interview with BusinessDay.
“I’m excited about being part of the next generation that unlocks these possibilities and uses them to improve people’s lives and the planet.”
A Track Record of Academic Excellence
Even before her remarkable UTME performance, Apampa had already proven herself as a high-achiever. During her junior WAEC examinations, she scored 10 As and one B. She has consistently ranked in the top five percentile in her class, earning her a permanent place on the school’s honours list.
Furthermore, she has represented Lagoon School in several national and international competitions, including the Conrad Challenge, which speaks to her well-rounded abilities and leadership potential.
Pay attention: Join Us in our 👉 WhatsApp Channel, you won’t miss important information about your choice of institution
Support, Hard Work, and Faith
When asked about the secret behind her success, Apampa humbly attributed her achievement to a combination of hard work, consistent practice, and God’s grace.
“I achieved this great result through a lot of hard work and consistent practice, but above all, it was by the grace of God. I truly feel that His guidance and blessings have been critical throughout this journey,” she shared.
In addition, she acknowledged the crucial role her parents played in supporting her academic journey. According to her, their unwavering belief in the importance of education and their constant encouragement made all the difference.
“They really believe in the importance of education and always encourage me to do my best. They made our home a really positive place for studying,” she added.
A Unique Learning Environment at Home
To prepare for the rescheduled UTME, her parents created a supportive learning environment at home. They transformed the family living room into a fully stocked library and added a multimedia study room. This allowed the whole family to participate in learning together and fostered a culture of curiosity and knowledge-sharing.
“My dad especially loves teaching and is very involved in helping me understand things,” Apampa said.
Moreover, her mother enrolled her at the Teesas Learning Centre, where she took extra JAMB preparatory classes. The frequent mock exams offered at the centre played a key role in helping her identify and overcome her weak points.
“The environment my parents created and the extra lessons at Teesas were incredibly helpful. Their support gave me the confidence to face the UTME again and succeed,” she emphasized.
Passion Beyond the Classroom
Apart from her academic excellence, Apampa is also passionate about reading and enjoys engaging in physical activities. She stays active by playing tennis and swimming in her free time, which contributes to a healthy balance between academics and leisure.
Recommended links
- Top 10 Important Skills to Learn Before Graduating in Nigeria
- 10 Degrees That Typically Lead to the Lowest-Paying Jobs
- Top 10 Nigerian private universities offering scholarships 2025
- 10 Errors most Candidates make that hinder them from admission despite their High UTME score
Final Thoughts
Apampa Kikiloluwa’s story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end, but often the beginning of something greater. Despite an unexpected initial UTME result, her hard work, faith, and the support from her parents helped her achieve one of the highest scores in the rescheduled 2025 UTME.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to students across Nigeria and beyond, proving that resilience, preparation, and the right mindset can transform setbacks into outstanding success.
If you’re a student preparing for UTME or any other exam, remember that your results do not define your potential your determination does.
