King’s College Student Who Scored 363 in UTME Reveals Secret Behind His Success

Master Rhema Ugwuede, the highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at King’s College, Lagos, has attributed his outstanding performance to determination, discipline, and consistency.

The Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student scored an impressive aggregate of 363, with 72 in English Language, 98 in Mathematics, 98 in Physics, and 95 in Chemistry.

Speaking in an interview, Ugwuede said he approached his preparation with a clear personal goal rather than competing with others.

“Months of steady study, sacrifices, and focus gave me confidence ahead of the examination,” he said.

According to him, the result came as a pleasant surprise.

“I couldn’t sleep that night. I kept asking myself if it was real. My siblings, parents, and I shouted so much that the noise woke almost everyone in our compound,” he recalled.

Ugwuede acknowledged the support of his family, teachers, and friends throughout his preparation, noting that his parents created a conducive learning environment and reduced household responsibilities to allow him to focus on his studies.

Despite his exceptional score, the student remained humble, giving credit to God for his achievement.

“Honestly, I did not fully believe in my abilities. I give the credit to God,” he said.

The young scholar has now shifted his attention to excelling in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and hopes to study Systems Engineering at the University of Lagos.

Offering advice to future UTME candidates, Ugwuede encouraged students to stay focused, work hard, and remain consistent in their studies.

“I encourage my friends to aim high so that even if they fall, they fall among stars,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the declining reading culture among students and called for stronger efforts to combat examination malpractice, stressing that genuine success can only be achieved through hard work.

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