There’s been some research that suggests that religious belief and practice can have a positive impact on academic achievement. Some studies have shown that students who attend religious services regularly tend to have better grades and higher test scores, and that students who identify as religious tend to have better mental health and lower rates of depression, both of which can contribute to academic success. It’s important to note that these findings are not universal, and that there are a variety of factors that contribute to academic achievement.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to academic success, beyond religious belief and practice. Some of these include things like socioeconomic status, family support, school environment, teacher quality, and individual motivation and determination. Having access to resources like tutoring, technology, and extracurricular activities can also make a big difference.
Additionally, there are individual differences that can impact academic success, like learning styles, intelligence, and emotional intelligence. Do you think any of these factors have played a role in students academic success? Yes. This can be seen in the life of Miss Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere who emerged as the top scorer with an outstanding mark of 360 in 2023 JAMB.
Kamsiyochukwu, a student of Deeper Life High School, Mowe, Ogun State, scored a whooping 99 out of 100 in Chemistry, 98 out of 100 in Mathematics, 97 out of 100 in Physics, and 66 out of 100 in English, bringing her total score to 360 out of 400 in the UTME examinations, making her the top scorer in 2023. When asked for her secret to success, she said, “The most special thing I did during my preparation was praying, I prayed a lot. Then, I started early. I started preparation for the jamb exam immediately I entered SS3.” She then went on to explain how she read during the set “prep” times for reading at her school, and still went on to revise on her own during her free time, ensuring she read for hours every day.
Her claim is in consonance with Israel Oguche Ph.D view about Deeper life with also portray the influence of religion on student academic success. In his Facebook post, Dr. Israel states “Deeper Life Bible Church is a school and a church. If you know Deeper Life very well, you would understand why their children cannot fail examinations. In Deeper Life Children Church, children take notes, recite memory verses, and practically are taught to repeat or recite what they were taught in the previous classes. The notes are monitored and examined by the teacher. They are taught how their spiritual consciousness translates to physical success in Deeper Life. They are taught how one can succeed in holiness and righteousness. In the youth church, the competition is a healthy one. Notes are taken regularly. This is different from carrying a jotter to church and will not refer to what is written later. Deeper Life youths see themselves as students and they relate and act as one. Dreams are identified early in Deeper Life. The children and youths do not fall for any kind of course. They are taught practically how to select courses, and how they will work towards attaining the requirements for the courses.”
He said further that, “It is practically impossible to see a Deeper Lifer not doing anything with their hands to succeed. They combine knowledge of the word of God as the basis for attaining greatness with actions that yield results. This has not failed them. They are taught to (live peaceably with all men and holiness without which no eyes shall see the Lord). An average Deeper Life child is already some distant ahead of his contemporaries in intelligence, understanding, discernment and wisdom. These and more are the secrets of many successes recorded including that of Deeper Life High School students across the country.”
Having excellent teachers in my school who want students to succeed at all cost, and environment conducive and good learners as well as encouraging parents will boost students academic performance. When provisions for/to make sure that students are okay in all senses- morally, spiritually, physically, health wise, emotionally, in all those areas, is made, output will always be excellent.
– Haroun Bashirah
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State
