2024 UTME: Pure Water Seller Who Dropped Out Two Years Ago Scores 309
In an inspiring turn of events, Ugwu Chibuzo Augustus, a former street vendor known for selling pure water, has remarkably scored 309 in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), securing a full university scholarship.
Two years after dropping out of school, Augustus’ academic prowess was reignited through the encouragement of Alex Onyia, the founder of Educare. Onyia’s organization, which specializes in preparing candidates for the UTME, presented Augustus with a life-changing challenge: score above 300 and earn a full scholarship.
Embracing the challenge with determination, Augustus balanced his water-selling business with rigorous study sessions. His efforts culminated in an impressive UTME score of 309, earning him a place in Educare’s full scholarship program.
Augustus’ commitment to education didn’t stop at his own success. He established a study group with his peers, offering weekend coaching sessions that led to high scores across the board. This collective effort fostered a supportive learning environment, with each member driven by the goal of surpassing the 300 mark to secure their own scholarships.
The story of Ugwu Chibuzo Augustus stands as a beacon of hope amidst this year’s UTME, where a staggering 77 percent of the 1,842,464 candidates scored below 200. His achievement is paralleled by 15-year-old Olukayode Olusola, who earned a total of 362 marks, including perfect scores in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
As Augustus prepares to rewrite his WAEC exams, bolstered by the intensive training from Educare, his journey from the streets to academia serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community support in unlocking one’s potential.
