A dramatic and emotional scene unfolded recently at a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination centre, as scores of anxious parents turned the premises into a makeshift prayer ground while their children sat for one of the most crucial examinations of their academic journey.
The atmosphere outside the centre was intense, as dozens of parents, visibly tense and deeply emotionally invested, engaged in fervent prayer sessions. Some could be seen pacing restlessly, others clapping their hands, speaking in tongues, or going down on their knees to seek divine intervention. The air was filled with pleas to God for wisdom, understanding, and clarity for their children as they tackled the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which largely determines admission into Nigerian universities.
While a few parents maintained a quiet and composed demeanor, muttering soft prayers under their breath, others raised their voices openly, unashamedly calling on God to grant their wards success. The collective display of religious faith and desperation turned the otherwise quiet exam environment into a spiritual assembly.
Videos of the scene have since gone viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions among Nigerians. Some netizens took a critical stance, describing the actions as public display of religious extremism and questioning the prioritization of spiritual warfare over academic preparation. “Where was all this energy when they should have been helping their kids study?” one commenter asked.
However, others sympathized with the parents, arguing that the prayers were a heartfelt expression of love and concern. They noted the high stakes involved in the UTME and how much pressure both students and parents face during the process. “This is not hypocrisy; it’s love,” a supporter commented. “Every Nigerian parent knows the importance of this exam. Let them call on God if it gives them peace.”
The JAMB examination has long been considered a make-or-break point in the academic journey of Nigerian students, often causing stress not just for the candidates but for their entire families. The growing trend of parents offering spiritual support at exam centres reflects the intersection of deep religious beliefs and the high expectations placed on academic achievement in Nigerian society.
Though the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has not officially commented on the incident, many believe this phenomenon underscores the need for both emotional and academic support systems for students, especially in high-pressure situations like national examinations.
As the videos continue to circulate online, the debate rages on—between those who see faith as a necessary pillar in academic success and others who believe that such displays distract from real preparation and self-reliance.
In the end, one thing is clear: for many Nigerian parents, no effort—physical, financial, or spiritual—is too much when it comes to securing a brighter future for their children.
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