How we rewarded our last UTME top scorer

Every year at Iconic Impact Tutorials, we hope and pray that our students will take what we’ve taught and push themselves to new heights. The UTME is no small test. It demands focus, sacrifice, and a strong heart. This year, one of our own gave us a reason to celebrate loudly.

His name is Basit Olatunde, and he scored 365 out of 400. Even writing that number now gives me goosebumps. It is the highest score we’ve had from a student, and it instantly placed him among the best in the country.

So, we packed our bags and set out from Ife in Osun State, heading to Orile in Lagos to see him. The journey was long, but there was excitement in the bus. We weren’t just visiting a student. We were going to honor a story of grit and brilliance.

When we arrived, Basit was there with his mother to welcome us. I still remember her smile — wide, thankful, almost like she had been waiting her whole life for that moment. Basit himself was a little shy, but you could see pride in his eyes. The kind that comes after many nights of quiet struggle.

Inside their home, the story became clearer. Books stacked in corners. Awards and plaques lined neatly on the shelves. It felt like we had stepped into the background of his success. Nothing about it was accidental.

Then came the part we all looked forward to — presenting the gifts. We started with a glass plaque engraved with his UTME score. For a second, he just stared at it, almost in disbelief. It was like the reality of his achievement sank in all over again. We also gave him a Hoodie from Iconic Impact (his mum immediately said he needed it), a HP Laptop to help him on his next journey into Computer Science at UNILAG, a customized Journal and Thermal bottle for his personal use. But the biggest surprise was a cheque plaque. The joy on his mother’s face at that moment said everything words could not.

Later, we sat down to talk with Basit, and his story humbled us. He spoke about reading by candlelight when there was no electricity, about nights when poor network made online practice frustrating, about moving to stay with a relative just so he could stay focused. Even there, he had to fight distractions and responsibilities. But through all of it, he kept going. He kept his eyes on the prize. Listening to him, it was clear: success is built in the shadows long before the spotlight shines.

As the day came to an end, we gathered together, prayed, took photos, and laughed. It felt like family. And in the middle of it all, Basit’s story stood as a reminder that with consistency, discipline, and the right support, extraordinary things can happen.

That day in Orile was more than a celebration. It was a testimony of what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.