A 16-year-old candidate, Daniella Owoeye, has explained how sustained personal discipline, extended study hours and structured revision routines contributed to her outstanding performance in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, where she emerged as the overall highest scorer with 372.
According to the Punch, Owoeye, an alumna of EFVP Wisdom Spring Model School, Ota, described her preparation as intensive and highly organised, revealing that she committed several hours each day to focused academic work while balancing short rest periods to maintain concentration.
Reflecting on her study pattern, she said, “I usually read from around 7am to about 11:30am or 12 noon, then continued again from 12:30pm to around 3:30pm with breaks in between,” she said.
The UTME top scorer noted that her preparation officially intensified after completing secondary school, particularly after she previously scored 293 in an earlier attempt, which she attributed partly to technical challenges encountered at her examination centre.
To strengthen her understanding across subjects, she combined multiple learning resources, including past questions, CBT practice tools such as Test Driller, MySchool and 330, as well as online tutorials, mock examinations, and collaborative learning through WhatsApp study groups.
Her subject performance reflected her preparation strategy, as she recorded 98 in English, 98 in Chemistry, 94 in Physics and 82 in Biology.
While she attended tutorial classes, Owoeye emphasised that her independent study played a more decisive role in her success.
She explained that she consistently revised lessons, conducted personal research, and developed custom notes guided by the JAMB syllabus.
She also highlighted discipline, time management, prayer, and learning from past high performers as key factors that helped her stay focused throughout her preparation period.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos. She encouraged future UTME candidates to remain committed, avoid distractions, and trust in their abilities.
She further urged female students to aim for excellence and challenge the pattern of male dominance among top-performing candidates.
Owoeye also expressed gratitude to her parents, acknowledging their continuous academic, emotional, and spiritual support during her preparation journey.
