Overall best Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidate with 372 score, Daniella Owoeye, tells GRACE EDEMA how her determination and personal study time contributed to her success

Could you tell us about yourself?

I am 16 years old and an alumna of EFVP Wisdom Spring Model School, Ota.

JAMB announced you on Tuesday as the overall best candidate with a UTME score of 372. How does it feel?

It feels very exciting. It’s a moment to be proud of, and I’m sure my parents and everyone around me are proud of me. When I saw the result, my joy knew no bounds—I didn’t even know how to express myself.

Were you expecting to emerge as the best?

Before I saw my result, I was hopeful of being among the top 10. I prayed, believed in God, and intensified my efforts. I prepared diligently, gave it my best, and trusted God for a great outcome. I’m very grateful for how it turned out.

What did you do differently to achieve 372 in the UTME?

First, I started my preparation as early as possible. I actually began preparing right after I graduated from secondary school. I had written UTME earlier, but due to some technical issues at my centre, my performance was affected. That experience pushed me to prepare even more intensely for the next UTME. Since then, I have been consistent and intentional with my studies.

I started preparing very early and made use of as many resources as I could. I used materials like JAMB Series Remix, past questions, and other topic-by-topic study guides.

I also used CBT apps such as Test Driller, 330, and MySchool. In addition, I joined daily online tutorials, which were very helpful. The tutors provided materials, conducted daily quizzes, and organised tests for us using Quizboots. They also held weekly mock examinations.

I was part of a WhatsApp study group where they shared a large number of questions daily—sometimes up to a hundred per subject, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This went on consistently. We started with Chemistry for about two months before moving to other subjects.

I also watched educational videos on YouTube and downloaded relevant PDFs. I used the JAMB syllabus as a guide to structure my preparation. Alongside all of this, I prayed and committed my efforts to God.

I remained consistent, took corrections seriously, and learnt from the experiences of past top scorers by studying their strategies and applying them to my routine. I also explored different reading techniques and used those that worked best for me.

When did you finish secondary school?

I finished last year.

And you sat UTME last year as well?

Yes, ma’am.

What was your score at your first UTME attempt?

I scored 293, despite the technical issues I experienced at my centre.

What were your scores in each subject this year?

In English, I scored 98; Physics, 94; Chemistry, 98; and Biology, 82.

What was your reading pattern? Was it mainly the online resources and quizzes?

The resources I mentioned were part of it, although I may not remember everything I used. As for my reading pattern, I relied heavily on structured timing. I used my phone to set alarms and create a daily study schedule.

For instance, I would dedicate specific hours—like 9 am to 10 am—to answering past questions, sometimes up to 100 questions on a particular topic or subject. I consistently followed this routine and ensured I maximised my time. Time management was one of the key skills I developed, and it played a major role in my success.

I didn’t quite get your reading routine earlier. You mentioned 9 am to 10 am as an example—did you have any other pattern or routine you followed?

Yes, I only used that as an example. My actual routine was broader. I usually read in the morning from about 7 am to 11:30 am, or sometimes 12 noon, with short breaks in between. In the afternoon, I continued from around 12:30 pm to about 3:30 pm, also taking breaks.

Generally, I studied throughout the day, while still making time for rest and house chores. So, I wouldn’t say I had a fixed pattern—I was consistently reading all day, just with breaks in between.

Between your personal study and the tutorial centre, which contributed more to your success?

I would say my personal study contributed more. It’s one thing to attend a good tutorial, and another for a student to put in personal effort.

I made sure to revise everything I was taught, and I didn’t stop there—I went further to research on my own, using the JAMB syllabus as a guide. I even used past questions to create my own notes. I also studied from PDFs and textbooks, ensuring everything aligned with the syllabus. I combined all of that with what I was taught at the tutorial centre.

You want to study Medicine and Surgery. Why Medicine and Surgery?

I’ve had a passion for it since I was young. I’ve always wanted to become a medical doctor and contribute to society through healthcare. I’m motivated by the desire to treat the sick, relieve pain, and make a difference in people’s lives. That passion has been a major driving force for me.

Why did you choose the University of Lagos?

I chose UNILAG because it is one of the best universities in Nigeria, especially for Medicine and Surgery.

What advice would you give to students who want to score high in future UTMEs, especially those currently in SS3 or those who didn’t perform well this year?

First, I would advise them to work on their mindset. Some students limit themselves by believing they are not capable of achieving high scores. But mindset plays a huge role in success. If you believe something is impossible, you’re less likely to achieve it.

They should remain optimistic and believe that regardless of their background or school, they can succeed with the right effort and resources. I would also encourage them to commit their preparation to God. It is one thing to study hard, and another to encounter questions from what you studied during the exam. Prayer helps guide your efforts.

Consistency and discipline are also very important. They should stay focused, avoid distractions like excessive watching of social media events and games, and be ready to sacrifice short-term pleasures. Even if it’s just for six months, it will pay off in the long run. Most importantly, they should keep pushing, aim high, and never place limits on their potential.

Tell me about your parents and how they contributed to your success.

Before I answer that, ma, may I quickly add something?

Go ahead, please.

I would also like to advise girls specifically that we should strive to achieve excellence and not allow the history of males dominating the list of top UTME scorers to continue.

We should recognise our potential—females are known to be very brilliant—and work harder to prove that. We should aim to be among the top scorers and not leave that space to males alone.

Do you think the girl child is not pushing hard enough, based on your experience in secondary school?

I believe girls are working hard. However, success also involves God’s grace. UTME tests not just how much you study, but how well you can apply what you’ve learnt over time.

So, I wouldn’t say girls are not hardworking, but I would encourage them to intensify their efforts and keep pushing for excellence.

Tell me about your parents and how they contributed to your success.

My parents are Mr Owoeye and Dr Owoeye. My mother recently completed her PhD and works as an academic researcher at Covenant University, while my father is an administrator, also at Covenant University.

They were very supportive throughout my UTME preparation. They prayed for me daily and encouraged me consistently. Sometimes, they would even come into my room to pray with me.

They also ensured that I had access to all the materials I needed. Many of the CBT apps I used were paid for by them. They provided data for downloading educational videos, as well as textbooks and past questions.

Beyond that, they created an environment conducive for me to study. I would say their support played a significant role in my success.

Do you have any message for other parents?

Yes. I would advise parents to believe in their children and avoid comparing them with others. Comparison can damage a child’s self-esteem and create feelings of inferiority. Instead, parents should encourage their children daily, support them emotionally and academically, and provide the resources they need.

They should also create an environment conducive to learning and pray for their children. With the right support, children can achieve great things.

Do you have siblings? How many are there in the family, and what position are you in the family?

I’m the third child.

Are you the lastborn?

No. I have one younger sibling.

So, you have two older siblings and a younger one?

Yes, ma.

Do you have a boyfriend, or did you have one while in school?

No. I don’t have a boyfriend, and I’ve never had one.

But some of your classmates did?

Yes, some of them did. However, they weren’t part of my close circle. I was mindful of the kind of friends I kept, and I avoided influences that could distract me from my goals.

Were there any challenges you faced during your school days or while preparing for UTME?

Yes, there were. At the early stage of my preparation, my CBT practice scores were quite low—around 268—which was below my expectations.

However, I didn’t allow that to discourage me or affect my self-esteem. Instead, I stayed determined and kept working hard. Gradually, my scores improved, and I began to achieve better results in my practice tests.

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A Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of harassing and assaulting him and other hospital workers during an attempt to arrest him over an alleged fake medical report.

Ekpe, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, made the allegation during a press conference on Wednesday while narrating the events that led to the confrontation between the EFCC operatives and hospital staff.

Videos seen by PUNCH Metro on Thursday on X showed the professor insisting that the medical report the EFCC came to verify was fake and did not originate from the hospital.

According to Ekpe, he had just resumed work on Monday after receiving official approval to travel outside Akwa Ibom State when he was assigned to handle the EFCC’s request alongside his routine responsibilities.

“I added the responsibility of handling the medical report to my clinical duties, supervision of resident doctors and teaching medical students,” he said.

Ekpe explained that because the diagnosis contained in the report fell under the Internal Medicine Department, he invited the Head of Department to examine the document.

“The head of the department discovered that the doctor whose name appeared on the report was not a staff member of the department,” he said.

He added that after further checks, he prepared a draft response to the EFCC on May 11, 2026, confirming that the report was not genuine.

According to him, EFCC operatives visited his office the following day to collect the response, but he informed them that the document still required approval from the Chief Medical Director before it could be officially signed and stamped.

“I showed him the draft and explained that it still had to be presented to the Chief Medical Director before it could be released officially,” he said.

Ekpe alleged that shortly after the operatives left his office, they returned with another armed officer and informed him that he was under arrest.

“I told them I did not issue the report, my name was not on it, and it did not come from my unit. But they asked me to explain that at their office,” he said.

The professor further alleged that the operatives refused to allow him to wait for a staff member he had sent on an errand before they began dragging him out of his office.

“They dragged me to the walkway, and I started crying. Staff members who heard me rushed out,” he alleged.

He also claimed that the operatives prevented him from speaking with colleagues or answering phone calls while armed officers surrounded him.

“They said I must not talk to anyone. They held guns behind and in front of me while dragging me,” he alleged.

Ekpe said hospital workers resisted the arrest, prompting the operatives to call for reinforcement.

“Not long after, masked and armed men arrived. They threatened people around, and everyone started running,” he said.

He alleged that some hospital workers were beaten before he and others were dragged into an EFCC van.

“We were emotionally traumatised. Tear gas was fired, and live bullets were shot,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, confirmed that Ekpe and four other workers were arrested without prior notice to the hospital management.

Bassey maintained that the medical report in question was fake and suggested that some insiders within the hospital might have collaborated with outsiders to produce it.

“One of the things we must get to the bottom of is how the lawyer handling the case got the fake medical report. It is possible there are bad eggs within the hospital working with outsiders,” he said.

The CMD explained that the hospital attends to between 600 and 800 patients daily and could not afford a prolonged shutdown resulting from the incident.

He also noted that the letterhead used for the report was outdated and did not originate from the hospital.

“We have seen many fake medical reports supposedly issued by this hospital. The letterhead used was an old one and did not come from any official source within the hospital,” he said.

Bassey denied claims that the hospital ignored earlier EFCC correspondence, stating that the only letter received by his office was dated April 21, 2026.

He explained that the verification process was delayed by weekends, a public holiday and Ekpe’s officially approved trip to participate in national postgraduate medical examinations.

According to him, Ekpe returned on May 11 and completed a draft authentication report the same day, confirming that the document was fake.

Bassey criticised the conduct of the operatives, saying they went directly to Ekpe’s office without notifying management or presenting an arrest warrant.

“At no point did they come to look for the CMD, the CMAC or the Director of Administration. They simply went to his office,” he said.

The CMD said the situation escalated after the operatives allegedly returned with armed and hooded reinforcements, causing panic among hospital workers.

“His staff ran out because they saw hooded men invade the office,” he said.

Bassey said he immediately contacted the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, after receiving distress calls and was advised to secure the hospital gates until police officers arrived.

He added that although the police later confirmed the men were EFCC operatives and advised that the gates be opened, tear gas had already been fired and the confrontation had escalated.

The CMD also disclosed that several hospital workers sustained injuries during the incident, including one staff member who reportedly suffered a head injury.

Eyewitnesses, however, claimed the operatives later called for reinforcement and fired shots into the air to disperse workers gathered at the scene.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC said its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect standing trial and claimed the commission had earlier written two letters to the hospital.

“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further inquiries, only to be locked in and attacked by misguided staff of the facility,” the agency stated.

The commission also accused the hospital management of refusing to open the gates despite police intervention.

“Police authorities advised the CMD to open the gates to enable the operatives to exit peacefully, but the request was ignored,” the statement added.

The EFCC maintained that its operatives acted professionally and did not disrupt hospital activities.

Meanwhile, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH chapters, condemned the incident in a joint communiqué signed by their officials.

The associations demanded disciplinary action against the operatives involved, compensation and treatment for injured workers, public apologies in two national newspapers and repairs of damaged property.

They added that the industrial action embarked upon by doctors would continue until their demands were met.

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International students seeking to study in Japan must now navigate a structured and documentation-heavy visa process, reflecting strict immigration requirements outlined in official government guidance.

As reported by the Economic Times on Wednesday, the “Study in Japan” portal operated by the Japan Student Services Organization states that applicants are required to complete multiple stages before entering the country. These include securing admission from a recognised institution, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), applying for a student visa, and completing residence registration after arrival.

Certificate of Eligibility is a key requirement.

A central part of the process is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

According to official guidance, the COE must be applied for through a regional immigration services bureau in Japan. In most cases, the accepting educational institution acts as the applicant’s representative.

The COE serves as official proof that the student meets Japan’s immigration requirements for long-term study. Without it, applicants may face significant difficulties in obtaining a student visa.

Students are also advised to coordinate directly with their university or language school regarding documentation requirements and processing timelines.

Financial proof is required

Japan also requires international students to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves during their stay.

This typically includes submitting bank balance certificates, income records, or documents showing the source of funds. These may belong either to the student or to a financial sponsor.

The requirement is intended to ensure students can cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses throughout their studies.

Student visa application process

Once the COE is issued, students can apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country or region of residence.

Standard requirements include:

Passport
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photographs
Certificate of Eligibility (copy accepted)
Additional documents, if requested

Applicants are also expected to carry these documents when entering Japan for immigration checks.

Arrival and residence procedures

Students staying in Japan for more than three months are issued a residence card, known as a zairyu card, upon arrival at major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka.

After arrival, students must register their residential address at a local municipal office within 14 days. The residence card must be carried at all times while living in the country.

“My Number” system for residents

Foreign residents are also assigned a 12-digit identification number known as “My Number.” It is issued after residence registration and is used for taxation, banking, employment, and other administrative services.

Students may also apply for a My Number card, which serves as an official identification document in Japan.

Short-term entry rules for exams

Students travelling to Japan solely for entrance examinations must apply for a Temporary Visitor visa using an official exam voucher issued by the institution where they plan to sit the test.

Depending on nationality, short stays may last 15, 30, or 90 days. In some cases, students must return to their home country after passing exams to apply for a formal student visa before beginning studies.

Overall, the system reflects Japan’s structured approach to managing international student entry, with a strong emphasis on documentation, financial verification, and post-arrival compliance.

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