In this interview, Mubarakah Adebimpe Adetunji, one of the trailblazers of the MSSN Akinyele Area Council’s Extramural Tutorial Centre, 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.

1. Kindly introduce yourself (Full Name, State of Origin, and brief academic background).
My name is Mubarakah Adebimpe Adetunji, and I am from Oyo State. I attended Front Model Nursery and Primary School for my primary education and Command Day Secondary School, Odogbo, Ibadan, for my secondary school education.

2. What was your UTME score?
I scored 329 in the UTME.

3. Have you gained admission?
Alhamdulillah, I gained admission.

5. If admitted: state your institution and course of study.
I gained admission into the University of Ibadan (the first and the best) to study Pharmacy.

6. At what academic level were you before joining the MSSN Akinyele Extramural Class?
Before joining Extramural, I could not clearly describe my academic level. However, I would say that I mostly read just to pass examinations and nothing more. Smiles.

7. How did the Extramural classes influence your academic performance and exam readiness?
Extramural influenced me greatly through the spiritual diets, academic talks, early morning rush to classes, healthy competition among students, the atmosphere of learning, the inspiring environment, and the opportunity to test my courage and academic potential.

8. Can you describe the difference between your academic level before and after the Extramural program?
The difference I noticed in my academic life before and after Extramural is that my reading habit and concentration span improved greatly. I also began reading to truly learn and understand, not just to pass examinations.

9. Beyond academics, how did the Extramural impact your spiritual life and personal discipline?
Extramural nurtures not only our academic excellence but also our spiritual consciousness. It is a place where mentorship, discipline, and moral guidance go hand in hand with academic training. In my opinion, this balance makes Extramural truly exceptional among tutorial centres.

10. How long did you prepare for the UTME, and what was your daily or weekly study routine like?
I cannot specify a particular period when I began preparing for UTME because my preparation started after I did not gain admission in the 2024/2025 admission session.

11. What study techniques or strategies contributed most to your high score?
My strategy was simple: Tawakkul. I relied solely on Allah and entrusted my affairs to Him. I also made sure to solve past questions on the topics taught at Extramural, engaged in personal reading, and spent time brainstorming.

12. What major challenges did you face during preparation, and how did you overcome them?
At some point, I was doubtful and almost depressed. I thought I might not perform well, considering my previous attempt and my weekly performance at Extramural. However, with full reliance on Allah, seriousness, and determination, Alhamdulillah I was able to overcome those fears.

13. In your opinion, what would you say was the key factor behind your high performance?
Ultimately, it was nothing but the Rahmah (Mercy) of Allah. Alhamdulillah.

14. What advice would you give to students preparing for the upcoming UTME?
To my dear ones preparing to take the UTME, renew your intentions for writing the examination. Be serious, committed, and determined. Have full reliance on your Rabb and do not give up.
There will be days when you feel exhausted, tired, and mentally overwhelmed. Do not keep those feelings to yourself. Turn to your Rabb and cry to Him, for He is As-Samīʿ (The All-Hearing).
If you have written UTME before, you may look around and see your mates already in school while you are still struggling to pass the exam. You may begin to wonder if you have been forgotten.
But remember this: no destiny is delayed and no destiny can be denied when it has been written by Allah.
Allah tests us before raising us, so do not give up.
Maybe your dreams feel far away. Maybe you feel left behind because your friends are already in school. But remember that Allah is polishing you to fit the blessings you have prayed for.
Never look down on yourself. You are not behind; you are simply being prepared. Delay is never denial.
Hold your head high. Chase that goal—that dream that makes your heart flutter when you think about it.
Have full reliance on Allah. Your dreams are achievable, and you must never give up.
May Allah grant you clarity of mind, wisdom, and understanding. May He bless your efforts and grant you the best of the best. Ameen.
16. Is there any final message you would like to share with aspiring UTME candidates?
Barakallahu feekum. Wa alaykumu salaam warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu.

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