Interview: “This Is Not My Result” Candidate, Tutor Raise Concerns Over UTME Score from 277 to 257

Following the release of the UTME results by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, some candidates have raised concerns about differences between their expected scores and actual results. One of them is Awe Deborah from Ogun State, who intends to study Medicine and Surgery. In this interview with Edutimes Interview Desk, she speaks about her result, preparation, and why she believes her score does not reflect her performance. Her tutor, Olubiye Victor Segun, who has six years of experience preparing students for external examinations, also shares his perspective. Excerpt

Q: What was your honest reaction to your result?

Awe Deborah: I was surprised. How can I have 257 as my aggregate? When I checked the breakdown, Chemistry was totally wrong because the answers I was sure of were up to 90 per cent, yet I saw 67. Biology too, I expected at least 80 per cent. Even in English, many questions were familiar. Physics, 59 cannot be my score because the ones I am sure of are more than 60. I am shocked. I know this is not my result. Does it mean all my preparation has been wasted?

Q: How would you compare your preparation this year to last year?

Awe Deborah: Last year, I did not really take it seriously. I read based on textbooks, mobile apps, and WhatsApp groups as a first-timer. But this year was different. With the help of my tutor and family, I prepared very well. I scored 277 last year with less effort, so this year we were aiming for 300 and above.

Q: Do you think the score reflects your ability?

Awe Deborah: No.

Q: What were your expectations before the exam?

Awe Deborah: With my tutor’s help and how I prepared, I was expecting 300 and above. After the exam, I calculated my answers and I was already seeing 320 to 350 as possible.

Q: How many hours did you study daily?

Awe Deborah: At night, my tutor and I studied from 8 pm to 12 am or 1 am, which is about five to six hours. I also woke up at midnight to read for another two to three hours, making it about seven to eight hours in total.

Q: How often did you hold classes?

Awe Deborah: Mostly night classes because I am a secondary school science teacher, so I do not usually have time during the day. I also had Saturday lessons and some evening classes during holidays.

Q: What sacrifices did you make during preparation?

Awe Deborah: Yes, I restricted social media. My tutor locked all my social media and game apps to avoid distraction. He was the only one with the password. I also sacrificed sleep, even though I love sleeping.

Q: What is your final say on the result?

Awe Deborah: I wish I could see the questions I answered with my answers. I feel cheated, either by the system or the exam body. This is not my result, but people may not believe me because only the score is shown.

Interview with Tutor: Olubiye Victor Segun

Q: How many years of experience do you have preparing students for external exams?
Olubiye Victor Segun: Six years.

Q: What is your honest reaction to her result?

Olubiye Victor Segun: It is not good at all. I did not expect it and I cannot accept it. It might be a system issue.

Q: How would you compare her preparation this year to last year?

Olubiye Victor Segun: Last year, when she scored 277, she prepared less than she did this year.

Q: Do you think the score reflects her ability?

Olubiye Victor Segun: No.

Q: What stood out about her preparation?

Olubiye Victor Segun: She was consistent with mock tests using mobile apps daily. She reviewed corrections and researched questions she missed. She was very committed.