High Scorer in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, Samuel Isaac, who scored a total of 265 marks despite all odds, shared with Passpadi  the secrets to his success and his aspirations in life.

Isaac Samuel, like many other students, entered the JAMB exam hall with the weight of expectations. His preparation had been thorough, and his ambition was clear: to score above 300 and secure a place at one of Nigeria’s top universities. However, despite his best efforts, Isaac scored 265—a respectable score but not what he had envisioned.

In this interview, Isaac shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

Inspired by Miss Kamsiyochukwu Umeh’s Success

One of Isaac’s biggest motivations going into the JAMB exam was Miss Kamsiyochukwu Umeh, the highest scorer in the 2023 JAMB exams, who achieved a remarkable score of 360. Her exceptional performance inspired Isaac and many other students to aim higher.

"I was really inspired by Miss Kamsiyochukwu Umeh,"** Isaac explains. **"Her score of 360 showed me that anything is possible if you put in the work. She became a symbol of excellence for me, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps."

Miss Umeh’s success story pushed Isaac to maintain focus and strive for a similar achievement. He believed that if someone else could break barriers, he could as well.

The Role of Brain Master Tutorial

Isaac’s journey was also shaped by his time at Brain Master Tutorial, where he began preparing as early as September 2023 for the May 2024 JAMB exam. The tutorial center played a crucial role in refining his understanding of key subjects, and it also ignited a new passion in him.

The tutorial center provided a structured and intensive learning environment, helping Isaac build a strong foundation in all the key JAMB subjects. By starting early, Isaac was able to cover the syllabus thoroughly and revise multiple times.

"Starting early made a big difference,"he explains."I had enough time to go over everything, practice extensively, and feel confident about my knowledge."

The Setbacks: Adjusting to CBT

During the exam, Isaac encountered unforeseen difficulties with Computer-Based Testing (CBT). He was not accustomed to using computers for exams, which affected his speed and comfort during the test.

This adjustment to CBT was a significant learning experience for Isaac, highlighting the importance of familiarity with exam formats and technology.

Managing Stress and Family Support

One of the key factors that helped Isaac through his JAMB journey was the unwavering support from his family. Like many students, Isaac had to balance the pressures of academics with the stressors of daily life, but his parents played a pivotal role in helping him manage it.

"My family was my biggest support system,"** Isaac shares. **"They helped me manage my stress, encouraged me when I felt down, and made sure I had the peace of mind to focus on my studies."

The emotional and psychological support from his family was essential in keeping Isaac motivated and focused, especially during the tougher moments of preparation.

The Result: A Mix of Disappointment and Acceptance

When Isaac finally saw his result—265—he felt a mix of emotions. While a score of 265 is a solid achievement by any standard, it was below what he had expected. The realization that he had fallen short of his goal was tough to accept.

However, after some reflection, Isaac began to see his result in a different light. He realized that setbacks are part of life, and that his journey was not defined by this single outcome.

"Looking back, I know that my score doesn’t define my abilities," he reflects. "I learned so much during the preparation process, and I know that those skills will benefit me in the future, whether in school or life."

Advice to Other Students

Isaac offers insightful advice to future JAMB candidates, stressing the importance of early preparation, thorough research, and adaptation to CBT.

"Early preparation prevents poor performance,"Isaac emphasizes."I started studying in September for a May exam, and that gave me enough time to cover everything."

He also encourages students not to depend solely on past questions but to "make research" and use JAMB-verified textbooks.

"Past questions are great for understanding the exam format, but don’t rely on them entirely. Use textbooks approved by JAMB and make sure you understand the concepts thoroughly."

In addition, Isaac advises students to get familiar with computers and practice CBT (Computer-Based Testing) simulations to avoid surprises on exam day.

"Get used to computers and practice as many CBT mock exams as you can,"he advises."Being comfortable with the exam format will help you manage time and stress better."

What’s Next for Isaac?

Despite not reaching his 300+ goal, Isaac is moving forward with optimism. He has accepted his score and is now focused on his next steps—securing admission to a university and continuing his academic journey. He plans to study MLS at Lagos State University (LASU), and he knows that the lessons he has learned from his JAMB experience will help him in the future.

Isaac Samuel’s JAMB story is one of resilience, learning, and growth. From his early start at Brain Master Tutorial to overcoming the challenges of CBT and finding support in his family, Isaac’s journey exemplifies the power of preparation, adaptation, and perseverance. While his score of 265 may not have been what he initially hoped for, it represents much more than just a number. For students facing similar setbacks, Isaac’s experience serves as a reminder that success isn’t always about hitting a specific target—it’s about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.