Sixteen-year-old Oyindamola Apampa of Lagoon Secondary School in Lagos triumphed over adversity by scoring an impressive 351 in the 2025 UTME after her original score of 158 was nullified due to technical issues.


In an inspiring story of perseverance and academic excellence, 16-year-old Oyindamola Apampa, a student of Lagoon Secondary School in Lagos, has achieved a stellar score of 351 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after her initial result of 158 was invalidated due to technical problems at her test center.
Her revised UTME score includes:
- English Language – 65
- Mathematics – 98
- Physics – 98
- Chemistry – 90
Apampa’s initial disappointment quickly turned into determination. Reflecting on the experience, she shared,
“When I saw the first result, I was shocked. I knew it didn’t reflect my preparation or capabilities. Later, it was confirmed that technical glitches had affected several exam centers, including mine. Thankfully, the authorities allowed us to retake the exam—and I gave it everything I had.”
Her success, she says, is the result of consistent study habits, emotional support from family, and faith.
“This experience taught me to stay focused, even when things seem unfair. I had to rise above discouragement and trust the process,” she said.
A vital part of her academic environment is her home, which she describes as “designed for learning.”
“My parents created a very academic-friendly home. We have a full library and a multimedia study room, and we often have discussions as a family on various subjects—from science to current affairs. That culture of learning made studying more enjoyable.”
Apampa also praised her enrollment at a Lekki-based educational support center, Teesas, which played a significant role in her preparation.
“The mock exams we did at Teesas helped me prepare under pressure. I was able to identify and improve on my weak points before the actual UTME,” she said.
Osayi Izedonmwen, the head of Teesas, highlighted the center’s holistic and tech-driven approach to learning.
“At Teesas, we blend traditional classroom methods with digital tools and remote learning systems. This hybrid model allows our students to learn flexibly and effectively. Oyindamola is one of many success stories we’re proud of,” he noted.
This isn’t Oyindamola’s first major academic feat. In her Junior WAEC, she scored 10 As and 1 B, earning a place on her school’s Honours List. Her record also includes participation in international competitions, such as the Conrad Challenge, where her team advanced to the finals and earned a special mention for innovation.
Despite the earlier challenges, Apampa’s story has become a source of inspiration for students across the country. Her message to others is simple but powerful:
“Don’t give up because of one bad result. If you know your worth, stay focused, and keep working. The right opportunity will come.”
With her UTME performance placing her among the top scorers nationwide, Oyindamola Apampa is now looking ahead to pursuing a degree in engineering—an ambition she’s had since childhood.
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