A breakdown of Oyindamola's scores reveals her strong grasp across various subjects: 65 in English Language, a near-perfect 98 in Mathematics, 98 in Physics, and 90 in Chemistry. This outstanding performance is particularly noteworthy given the technical difficulties that reportedly plagued some examination centers during the UTME.
Oyindamola attributes her success primarily to unwavering hard work, consistent practice, and, above all, the grace of God. While acknowledging the crucial role of her parents in cultivating a conducive learning atmosphere at home, she pointed to the authorities' admission of "glitches" at some centers as a sign of divine favor. This perspective stems from her previous experience with the UTME. In her initial attempt, she scored 158, a result that, along with many others, faced widespread criticism and was later invalidated by the authorities due to technical irregularities. The subsequent authorized resit provided her with the opportunity to demonstrate her true capabilities, leading to her exceptional 351 score.
"My parents made our home a really positive place for studying," Oyindamola shared, highlighting the family's commitment to education. "We have a full library in the family living room in addition to a separate multimedia study room where the whole family often gets together to talk about different topics and help each other learn." This holistic approach to learning within the household undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for her academic pursuits.
Beyond the home, her parents' commitment to her education extended to enrolling her at the Teesas Learning Centre in Lekki, where she participated in UTME preparation classes. Oyindamola specifically commended the center's frequent mock exams, which she found "a great help in my preparation for UTME."
Osayi Izedonmwen, Chairman and Founder of Teesas Education, reacted to the learning center's impressive 98 percent pass rate, attributing it to their hybrid approach. He noted that their facilities are fully IT-equipped, allowing for seamless integration of both online and physical learning within a convenient and friendly environment. Teesas Education's "Matric" offering, an integral part of their app, specifically targets improved JAMB and WAEC outcomes, providing students with access to over 40 years of past questions and more than 4000 educational videos. Additionally, at Teesas Learning Centres, SSCE and UTME candidates benefit from physical and online coaching, mock CBT practice exams, and academic counseling from expert tutors.
Oyindamola's academic prowess is not limited to the UTME. A consistent high-flyer, she has represented her school in various competitions, notably reaching the final levels of the Conrad Challenge and earning a special mention. Her stellar Junior WAEC results, comprising 10 'A's and one 'B', further solidify her scholastic excellence, securing her a place on the Honours list of Lagoon Secondary School.
Beyond her academic achievements, Oyindamola is a well-rounded individual who enjoys sports such as tennis and swimming. Her aspirations transcend personal success; she envisions leveraging technology to instigate meaningful global change. With ambitions to pursue Software Engineering or Computer Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA, she aims "to use technology to make a real, positive impact in the world."
"Right now, we’re only tapping into a small part of what technology can do—probably less than a quarter of its true potential," she mused. "I’m excited about being part of the next generation that unlocks these possibilities and uses them to improve people’s lives and the planet." Oyindamola Kikiloluwa's journey stands as an inspiring testament to dedication, resilience, and the boundless potential of young minds poised to shape a better future.