From 165 to 343: Anambra's Nmesoma’s Remarkable UTME Comeback Restores Hope and School Pride

 

A wave of pride and inspiration has swept through Queens Convent, Awka, following the outstanding academic turnaround of one of its students, Obiora-Nwokedi Nmesoma. Her record-breaking score of 343 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit has not only distinguished her as a beacon of excellence but also brought renewed attention to issues surrounding the credibility of the examination system.

Nmesoma’s story stands out as a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Her academic journey took a surprising and disheartening turn when she initially received a score of 165 in the first release of the UTME results—a score that starkly contradicted her consistent record of high performance. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) attributed the discrepancy to a technical malfunction that marred the integrity of the initial result release.

Despite the emotional toll of the situation—one that reportedly led to distress among several candidates, with tragic consequences for at least one student—Nmesoma chose to press forward. Supported by her teachers, mentors, and school management, she prepared rigorously for the rescheduled examination.

Her new score—343—places her among the top-performing candidates nationally and marks the highest score ever recorded by a student from Queens Convent Awka, a school operated under the auspices of the Anglican Church in Anambra State.

Dr Martha Ibezim, Principal of Queens Convent, described Nmesoma’s achievement as a resounding endorsement of the school’s holistic academic model. She praised the student’s grit and the role of the school’s faculty in fostering a conducive learning environment.

"This is more than just a number on paper," Dr Ibezim said. "It’s a symbol of integrity, perseverance, and what is possible when students are nurtured to believe in their potential. Our teachers, curriculum, and facilities are designed to prepare students not just for exams, but for life."

Queens Convent has long maintained a reputation for academic excellence, but Nmesoma’s turnaround has given the institution renewed national attention. The school blends conventional academic programs with intensive preparatory sessions, moral instruction, and psychological support systems. According to the principal, this all-rounded structure played a pivotal role in helping Nmesoma remain focused and mentally resilient.

"Nmesoma could have easily succumbed to the disappointment of her earlier score," said Dr Ibezim. "But she chose to believe in the foundation we had built together. That courage and self-belief is what transformed her story from one of setback to success."

Classmates and teachers alike have lauded her as an inspiration, describing her not only as academically gifted but also disciplined, compassionate, and determined. Her schoolmates now refer to her as "the girl who didn’t give up," a badge of honor she wears with quiet pride.

Beyond the celebration of one student’s triumph, Nmesoma’s story has reignited broader conversations about the reliability of standardized testing in Nigeria. Many are calling for a thorough audit of examination processes and better crisis response systems, especially considering the emotional toll on students. Several civil society groups have since urged JAMB and other stakeholders to place greater emphasis on transparency, technological reliability, and student support services.

For Nmesoma, however, the focus has shifted back to the future she almost saw slipping away. With her new score, she qualifies for admission into several of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Her dream of studying Medicine is now well within reach—a dream that almost got crushed under the weight of a system glitch.

Though the experience was painful, she remains grateful for the opportunity to rewrite her story. More than a victory for herself, she sees her success as a light for others.

"Many students lost hope," she said quietly during a short celebration at the school’s assembly ground. "But I hope this shows that you can rise again, even after a fall that wasn’t your fault."

The applause that followed echoed far beyond the school walls, a powerful reminder that courage, backed by preparation and support, can rewrite even the most unjust of stories.