In this interview, Bello Fridawz Opeyemi, one of the trailblazers of the MSSN Akinyele Area Council’s Extramural Tutorial Centre, shared with us his 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 Bello Fridawz Opeyemi from Oyo State. I was an average student when it came to academics.

What was your UTME score?
I wrote the UTME twice. I scored 248 in my first sitting and 300 in my second sitting.

Have you gained admission?
Yes, I have been admitted.

State your institution and course of study.
I was admitted into the University of Ibadan in the Department of Economics.

At what academic level were you before joining the MSSN Akinyele Extramural Class?
I was an average student before joining Extramural. I was not really the reading type, and I did not believe in myself that I could score above average. My academic performance was not good either.

How did the Extramural classes influence your academic performance and exam readiness?
Extramural classes influenced my academics through the tutors, my peers, and the weekly test results.

Can you describe the difference between your academic level before and after the Extramural program?
My performance before Extramural was low, but after joining, I was able to build confidence in myself that I could succeed, since others were also doing well.

Beyond academics, how did the Extramural impact your spiritual life and personal discipline?
Extramural impacted my mode of dressing.

How long did you prepare for the UTME, and what was your daily or weekly study routine like?
I prepared for the UTME for two years. My daily routine was to read and solve questions based on the subjects in my personal timetable. For my weekly routine, I practised CBT (3Thirty) for all four subjects.

What study techniques or strategies contributed most to your high score?
What contributed most to my high score were practising past questions, group discussions, and personal reading.

What major challenges did you face during preparation, and how did you overcome them?
Alhamdulillah, I did not really face many challenges.

In your opinion, what would you say was the key factor behind your high performance?
Allah’s mercy and motivation from family and friends.

What advice would you give to students preparing for the upcoming UTME?
They should believe in themselves and not look down on anyone.

What message would you share with future participants of the MSSN Akinyele Extramural program?
My message to future participants is that Extramural is more than just classes—it is a journey of growth. We faced challenges, doubts, and long nights, but we came out stronger. There will be moments when you feel tired or unsure, but do not give up. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and support one another.

Is there any final message you would like to share with aspiring UTME candidates?
Prayer is very powerful, no matter how much a person studies.

Wishing everyone better results ahead.

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