Success stories from Nigerian universities continue to inspire thousands of students across the country, and one remarkable story currently making waves is that of a Moses Udah from Federal University of Technology Akure who transformed a disappointing JAMB score into extraordinary academic excellence.
What began with a score of just 192 in JAMB eventually ended with a stellar 4.72 CGPA, multiple Dean’s List recognitions, and the prestigious title of 2nd Overall Best Graduating Student in the Department of Mathematical Sciences (MTS), Federal University of Technology Akure
This is more than just an academic success story — it is proof that determination, mentorship, consistency, and resilience can completely rewrite a student’s future.
The Shattered Dream and the Pivot to FUTA
In 2019, Moses was faced with a reality many admission seekers dread: he scored a 192/400 in his JAMB examination. This was far below his expectations and severely derailed his dream of studying Mathematics at the University of Ibadan.
Feeling lost and discouraged, his academic future seemed to be collapsing before it even started. However, a pivotal conversation with a mentor provided a new perspective—and a new destination:
“Haven’t you heard about FUTA? You don’t have to be exceptionally brilliant before entering FUTA, but FUTA will transform you into a world-class student. Your score is enough, Moses.”
Those words acted as a catalyst. They revived his passion and planted a crucial seed: your destiny is not determined by a single exam score. With a renewed sense of purpose, Moses walked into FUTA’s Department of Mathematical Sciences (MTS), ready to prove himself.
Building Resilience: The First-Year Trial
Gaining admission was just the beginning. Navigating the 100 level at a rigorous institution like FUTA without mentorship or clear guidance tested his resolve. Relying purely on raw determination, Moses concluded his first year with a 4.41 GPA and a 4.43 CGPA.
While impressive to many, it fell short of the personal standard of excellence he had envisioned. He knew he possessed the potential for more.
The Turning Point: Mentorship and Mastery
The true academic transformation began in his 200 level. The timely intervention of two upper-level mentors—Demilade Aliu and Abdulwahab Ridwan—provided the structure, clarity, and strategic academic guidance he had been missing.
Combined with the rigorous instruction from his MTS lecturers, Moses experienced a massive shift in confidence and goal-setting. He wasn’t just passing courses; he was actively evolving into a professional mathematician.
He didn’t just master theoretical concepts; he became highly proficient in tools like MATLAB, Maple, R, Python, and LaTeX—computational skills we frequently champion here as essential for advancing modern mathematical research and data analysis.
A Six-Year Track Record of Unmatched Excellence
Over the course of his degree, Moses systematically broke boundaries. His transformation is best captured by the incredible milestones he achieved before donning his graduation gown:
- Graduated as the 2nd Overall Best Graduating Student with a remarkable CGPA of 4.72.
- Achieved three perfect 5.0 GPAs, holding the highest record in his graduating set.
- Secured a spot on the Dean’s List for 8 out of 10 semesters.
- Scored 80+ in 23 courses and an outstanding 90+ in 6 courses.
- Lectured over 500 100-level students on two separate occasions, and later instructed 200+ 300-level students.
- Engaged actively in academic research and publications.
- Served as Class Representative in his final semester.
Earning the fond title of “Lecturers’ Favourite,” he became highly recognized across the department for his ability to solve complex mathematical problems in seconds.
The Ultimate Takeaway for Students
Looking back at the boy who once thought his academic journey was over before it began, Moses’s story is deeply moving. He credits his success to God’s grace, the shaping influence of FUTA, his dedicated lecturers, and his unwavering discipline.
For every student reading this who feels defeated by a recent exam score or academic setback: let this report be your proof. It is never about how you start the race. With the right mindset, mentorship, and relentless hard work, you can rewrite your academic story.