In this interview, Maryam Olabisi Abdulkabir, one of the trailblazers of the MSSN Akinyele Area Council’s Extramural Tutorial Center, shared with us her strategies, preparation tips, and how she achieved an outstanding result in the 2025 UTME. Whether you’re a current or an aspiring UTME candidate, this interview contains inspiration, practical advice, and real-life insights to guide you on your journey to academic excellence.

Kindly introduce yourself
I am Maryam Olabisi Abdulkabīr from Oyo State. I completed my secondary school education at Annoor Model Islamic College.

What was your UTME score?
300

Have you gained admission?
No

What course and institution are you aspiring for?
University of Ibadan, Medicine and Surgery

At what academic level were you before joining the MSSN Akinyele Extramural Class?
I was a secondary school graduate at the time I joined.

How did the Extramural classes influence your academic performance and exam readiness?
Extramural classes greatly improved my academic performance and exam readiness. The structured lessons and guidance helped me focus better and strengthened my understanding of key subjects.

Can you describe the difference between your academic level before and after the Extramural program?
Before I started Extramural, my study habits and reading pace were limited. The classes dramatically improved my reading abilities, and I can honestly say I have never studied this effectively before.

Beyond academics, how did the Extramural impact your spiritual life and personal discipline?
Alhamdulillāh, Extramural positively impacted my spiritual life and personal discipline. One thing that made it special to me was the spiritual diet sessions, from which I learned a lot.

How long did you prepare for the UTME, and what was your daily or weekly study routine like?
I prepared for 4–5 months.

What study techniques or strategies contributed most to your high score?
Personal notes and timed mock exams.

What major challenges did you face during preparation, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced was sleeping too early. I overcame this by adjusting my study space and schedule to maximize focus and reduce interruptions.

In your opinion, what would you say was the key factor behind your high performance?
Prayer and listening attentively in class.

What advice would you give to students preparing for the upcoming UTME?
UTME is an exam, not a problem. With prayer, proper preparation, and focus, anyone can perform well.

What message would you share with future participants of the MSSN Akinyele Extramural program?
Take advantage of the structured lessons, spiritual sessions, and guidance. Consistency and discipline during the program will make a huge difference in your academic journey.

Is there any final message you would like to share with aspiring UTME candidates?
Just make sure you pray, prepare, pray, prepare, and finally pray.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity while preserving the interviewee’s original meaning.