The Deeper Life Bible Church, Suleja Region in Niger State, has raised the qualification benchmark for its UTME Champions Award from 250 to 280, in a move aimed at encouraging stronger academic performance among its young members.
The Region Overseer, Pastor Samuel Ndagi, announced the new benchmark at the 2026 UTME Champions Award ceremony in Suleja. He said the award, introduced in 2024, initially recognised the highest UTME scorers without a fixed benchmark before the church later introduced a minimum score of 250.
Ndagi said the initiative had motivated youths to work harder and record improved UTME results. He announced that from 2027, only candidates who score 280 and above would qualify for the award, stressing that the church was committed to both the spiritual and academic development of its young members.
Miss Joanita Jude emerged as the highest scorer among Deeper Life members in the Suleja Region with 304 points and received 100,000 naira. Miss Precious Ajah, who scored 273, received 70,000 naira, while Master Chidera Ejikeme, with 269 points, received 50,000 naira. Jude is seeking admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while Ajah has secured admission to study Pharmacy at David Umahi Federal University, Uburu.
The award recipients and other youths said the initiative had encouraged them to take their studies more seriously. Students at the ceremony also said the church’s emphasis on disciplined use of electronic devices and commitment to academic excellence had motivated them to aim for higher scores and future awards.
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