In this interview, Ajibade Khadijat Adepeju, 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.

Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Ajibade Khadijat Adepeju, a first-year medical student. I am from Saki, Oyo State.

What was your UTME score?
337

Have you gained admission?
Yes

State your institution and course of study.
I got admitted into Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho to study Medicine and Surgery.

At what academic level were you before joining the MSSN Akinyele Extramural Class?
I wrote UTME once before and didn’t gain admission. I was very confident in my academics until life humbled me. Extramural provided a space for growth, mentors to look up to, like-minded peers, and good friends.

How did the Extramural classes influence your academic performance and exam readiness?
Having exceptional and varied tutors improved my academics. The tutors were like a mirror of what I wanted to be in the future, which encouraged me and made me ready for the exams.

Can you describe the difference between your academic level before and after the Extramural program?
I used to read in bulk, cramming without focus. Extramural classes taught me to focus on myself, identify my weaknesses, and improve them. For example, Abu Faozoyah taught us Electrochemistry multiple times to ensure everyone understood it.

Beyond academics, how did the Extramural impact your spiritual life and personal discipline?
Extramural helped me grow spiritually and instilled personal discipline through structured sessions and guidance from tutors.

How long did you prepare for the UTME, and what was your daily or weekly study routine like?
I prepared for 4 months. I listed all topics in a note and ticked them off when I completed them. I used an app called TestDriller, doing 5 years of past questions daily (minimum 2). My weak areas were strengthened by peers’ questions and daily past question assignments.

What study techniques or strategies contributed most to your high score?
Daily past questions with DOS Habeeb and ADOS Hassan paid off a lot. I also studied with colleagues after class. Consistency, discussion, and active practice were key.

What major challenges did you face during preparation, and how did you overcome them?
Self-doubt and low self-esteem were major challenges. I constantly feared disappointing people. Overcoming this involved focusing on personal growth and trusting Allah’s plan.

In your opinion, what would you say was the key factor behind your high performance?
Consistency, guidance from tutors, and reliance on Allah.

What advice would you give to students preparing for the upcoming UTME?
The exam is near, and energy often depletes. Pray against negative thoughts and remind yourself: “My name is [your name], and I will not be afraid.” Stay disciplined and persevere.

What message would you share with future participants of the MSSN Akinyele Extramural program?
Extramural is the best tutorial I have attended. It provides growth academically, socially, and spiritually. You are in the right place.

Is there any final message you would like to share with aspiring UTME candidates?
Nothing good comes easily. Yes, it is stressful, and there will be nights you cry over topics like Taxonomy. But Allah doesn’t burden a soul more than it can bear. He will grant your heart’s desires, Insha’Allah.

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