The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that a female candidate participating in the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) refused to attempt any questions during her examination session, citing a religious superstition.
According to the examination body, the candidate said she was acting based on her grandfather's instruction, which advised her to wait for a "miraculous intervention" rather than attempt the examination herself.
JAMB, in a statement released on Saturday, expressed concern over the incident, stressing the importance of proper guidance and preparation among candidates before sitting for the UTME.
"The candidate, instead of attempting the examination, sat quietly at her system, expecting divine assistance as instructed by her grandfather. She believed that if she exercised enough faith, answers would appear on the screen without her touching the keyboard," the statement read.
Officials at the examination center reportedly tried to persuade the candidate to proceed with the exam normally, but she remained adamant, refusing to answer any questions until her time elapsed.
JAMB emphasized that while it respects the religious and cultural beliefs of candidates, it cannot compromise the integrity and seriousness of the examination process.
"We urge parents and guardians to properly counsel their wards. Preparation, hard work, and personal effort remain essential ingredients for success in life, including in examinations like the UTME," JAMB stated.
The Board reiterated its commitment to conducting fair, transparent, and credible examinations while encouraging candidates to take full responsibility for their academic futures.
