Obiora-Nwokedi Nmesoma’s UTME comeback has stirred national admiration after scoring 349 in her resit, defying odds and uplifting Queens Convent’s academic reputation.
Her rise from a previous 165 score showcases resilience, educational support, and the powerful impact of second chances in transforming students’ futures across Nigeria’s academic landscape.
In a remarkable turn of academic resilience and excellence, Obiora-Nwokedi Nmesoma, a student of Queens Convent in Awka, Anambra State, has emerged as one of the highest scorers in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit, earning a remarkable score of 349. The Anglican Church-owned secondary school is now celebrating her achievement, which has not only elevated the institution’s academic profile but also rekindled conversations about second chances in Nigeria’s educational system.
What makes Nmesoma’s story particularly inspiring is the contrast between her resit score and her initial performance. She had originally scored 165 in the first UTME attempt, a result that was significantly lower than expectations and later attributed to technical issues during the examination process. Rather than giving up, Nmesoma doubled down on her studies, took advantage of the opportunity for a resit, and ended up setting a new academic benchmark in her school.
Speaking to journalists, the principal of Queens Convent, Dr. Martha Ibezim, could not hide her joy over the student’s stunning comeback. She described Nmesoma’s journey as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of a supportive academic environment.
“We are immensely proud of Nmesoma,” Dr. Ibezim said. “Her outstanding result in the UTME resit is not just a personal triumph but a victory for our entire school community. It reflects our commitment to excellence and the impact of a nurturing educational system.”
According to Dr. Ibezim, the school’s success is rooted in its commitment to a holistic educational philosophy that emphasizes not only academic rigor but also character development, spiritual grounding, and emotional support. She explained that Queens Convent provides a disciplined learning environment, access to qualified educators, and mentorship that helps students realize their full potential.
“Nmesoma’s story reminds us of the importance of believing in our students even when they experience temporary setbacks. With encouragement and the right resources, they can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness,” she added.
The news of Nmesoma’s stellar performance comes amid the lingering memory of a different kind of controversy involving another student with a similar name. In 2023, Ejikeme Mmesoma made headlines after she claimed to have scored 362 in the UTME. However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) later announced that her actual score was 249, and an investigation committee concluded she had altered her results. That incident sparked widespread public debate and cast a shadow on the credibility of UTME results at the time.
Obiora-Nwokedi Nmesoma’s recent achievement provides a refreshing contrast one rooted in authenticity, discipline, and determination. It serves as a compelling narrative of what is possible when students are given another opportunity and are surrounded by people who believe in their potential.
Beyond the celebration, Nmesoma’s accomplishment also ignites hope among students across the country, especially those who may have experienced similar disappointments. Her success underscores the value of perseverance, proper guidance, and access to quality education in rewriting one’s academic story.
As Queens Convent continues to celebrate this historic moment, educators, parents, and policymakers are encouraged to draw lessons from Nmesoma’s journey. Her story stands as a shining example of how second chances, when seized with the right mindset and support, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
