News
From 299 to 374: UTME Candidates Set New Benchmarks in Highest Scores from 2013–2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has highlighted a remarkable upward trend in top Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) performances over the past 14 years, with peak scores rising from 299 in the early 2010s to a record 374 (and claims up to 375) in recent cycles.
This progression reflects improving preparation, better access to resources, and the competitive drive among Nigerian students aspiring for tertiary education, particularly in high-demand fields like Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences.
Key Highlights Across the Years:
- 2013 & 2014: The highest scores stood at 299, achieved by Olise Israel Chukwunalu (2013) and Onomejoh Princewill (2014). These marked the baseline in the early CBT era.
- 2015: Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine led with 332.
- 2016: A tie at 359 between Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue and Anonye Victory Emenike.
- 2017: Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide scored 353.
- 2018: Galadima Israel Zakari topped with 364.
- 2019: Ezeunala Ekene Franklin achieved 347.
- 2020: Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes set a strong benchmark with 365.
- 2021: Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem scored 358.
- 2022: Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi reached 362.
- 2023: Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere posted 360.
- 2024: A three-way tie at 367 — Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi, Alayande David, and Orukpe Joel Ehijele.
- 2025: JAMB reported the highest score in over a decade at 374 (with one unconfirmed or later-adjusted claim of 375 by Okeke Chinedu Christian; other top performers included scores of 374 and 373).
- 2026: Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin (also referred to as Owoeye Jesudunsin), an Ekiti State indigene who sat the exam in Ogun State, emerged as the top scorer with 372. She aims to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede has repeatedly noted these high performances even amid broader challenges like result glitches in some years, crediting dedicated candidates and improved study tools.
Trends and Context
Top scorers frequently target competitive courses such as Medicine and various Engineering disciplines at institutions like UNILAG. Many top performers come from strong tutorial centers and demonstrate exceptional subject mastery, often scoring 90+ in core sciences.
While the absolute highest has climbed significantly since 2013, JAMB continues to emphasize that UTME is just one factor in admission, alongside O’Level results and other criteria.
These outstanding achievements continue to inspire millions of Nigerian students, proving that excellence in UTME remains attainable with determination and proper preparation. As the examination evolves, future candidates are expected to push the boundaries even further.
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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