Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin has officially been named 2026 JAMB highest scorer. At just 16 years old, she emerges the highest-scoring candidate in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) after recording an outstanding score of 372. 😱🔥
According to reports published by Daily Post, the brilliant science student who is an indigene of Ekiti Stat scored 98 in English, 98 in Chemistry, 94 in Physics, and 82 in Biology, placing her above millions of candidates who sat for this year’s examination across Nigeria.
The report also states that Enwere Kingsley Ikenna from Imo State, emerged second with a score of 370 while Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel, an Ondo State indigene came third with a score of 369. Several other candidates recorded a score bracket of 368.
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Daniella Road to Becoming JAMB highest-scorer
Daniella emerging 2026 UTME Highest Scorer at age 16 is quite impressive, but what makes her story even more remarkable is that this was not her first UTME attempt.
Speaking about her journey, she revealed that she had already written UTME in 2025 after graduating from secondary school, but could not secure admission due to technical glitches experienced at her examination centre, which affected her result. Despite the disappointment, she refused to give up.
“This isn’t my first UTME,” she explained.
“I graduated from secondary school last year, so I sat for the UTME last year. I couldn’t gain admission due to the glitches I experienced in my exam centre, which affected my result.”
Rather than seeing the setback as the end, Daniella used it as extra preparation. According to her, the foundation for her outstanding 2026 result actually started during her preparation for the previous UTME. She also appreciated the role played by EFVP Wisdom Spring Model School in helping shape her academic journey.
Unlike many students who simply hope to score high, Daniella entered the examination with a clear target already in mind.
“I was aiming for nothing less than 350, so I fixed my goal at 370+,” she said.
The young scholar also revealed that she chose the University of Lagos as her preferred institution because of its strong reputation in Medicine and Surgery — the course she hopes to study.
According to her, her passion for Medicine comes from a deep desire to help people and provide medical support for the sick.
“I chose Medicine and Surgery because of my unwavering interest and passion to provide medical support for the sick, relieve pain and help people live a healthy life,” she added.
Her story is now inspiring many students online, especially candidates preparing for future UTME examinations. Beyond the impressive 372 score itself, many Nigerians are praising her resilience, preparation, and determination to return stronger after disappointment.
For many young students, Daniella’s journey is becoming proof that one setback does not define the final outcome — and that preparation, consistency, and clear goals can still produce extraordinary results.
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