How I scored 372, emerged JAMB top scorer - 16-year-old UTME candidate

The remarkable achievement of Daniella Owoeye Jesudunsin, a 16-year-old candidate from Ogun State, in topping the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with a stellar score of 372 out of 400, is a moment of pride for Ekiti State and Nigeria's youth, as highlighted by The Punch. Her success story is not just about a high score; it's a testament to the power of strategic preparation and unwavering determination in the face of academic challenges.

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A lot of you have been asking about my study routine, but here’s the truth: I didn’t study 24 hours a day. I didn’t just study hard, I was smart with it, I made past questions my best friend.

Daniella's journey to becoming the highest scorer is an inspiring narrative of diligent effort. She shared her study methodology, emphasizing that success wasn't about studying endlessly but about studying smartly. Her core strategy involved making past questions her "best friend" and dedicating focused attention to each subject after identifying her strengths and weaknesses. This approach of targeted effort and early intervention in weaker areas is a valuable lesson for countless other students aspiring to excel in similar examinations.

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I gave every subject the attention it deserved after identifying my strengths and weaknesses. Know your weak points and attack them early.

The Ekiti State Government has rightly lauded Daniella's accomplishment, framing it as a powerful demonstration that "excellence is possible when focus and ambition align." This recognition from the government underscores the significance of her achievement not just as a personal triumph but as an embodiment of the potential residing within Nigeria's youth. Her aspiration to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos further signals her ambition to contribute to the nation's healthcare sector.

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To God be all the glory! I’m excited to share that I emerged as Nigeria’s 2026 JAMB Highest Scorer with an aggregate score of 372/400.

In the Nigerian context, where the UTME is a critical gateway to higher education and often a source of immense pressure for students and families, Daniella's story offers a beacon of hope and a practical blueprint for success. It counters the narrative that only rote memorization leads to top scores, instead highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and consistent hard work. Her success, celebrated across various platforms, reinforces the belief in meritocracy and the ability of young Nigerians to achieve world-class results through focused effort and the right guidance.

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This achievement did not come easily. The preparation process was quite demanding and challenging, but by the grace of God, my efforts eventually paid off.