Reactions Pour In Following Teenager’s Suicide After JAMB Results

The suicide of a teenager, allegedly triggered by poor JAMB UTME results, has sparked a wave of reactions. People are questioning the pressures of education and family expectations on youth.

The tragic death of a teenager, believed to have taken her own life after receiving her Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score, has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many expressing frustration over the pressures young people face during educational pursuits.

Many reactions have focused on the broader issue of increasing suicide rates in the younger generation. One user, Omo Ure, expressed disbelief, writing, “I really don’t understand the rising suicide rate in this generation. Everyone faces ‘multiple’ failures before achieving success. What’s now this trending ridiculousness?”

Some reactions, however, have been more blunt. A user, VERIFIED homie, wrote, “Good for her. She is a very useless girl need to bring back to life flog am Oraimo cord kpai her again”, a comment that, while extreme, reflects the harsh reality of societal pressures on young people.

Edo-Wizard offered another perspective, blaming the parents: “Nobody knows the pressure that was placed on her. Some parents can be insensitive, pushing their children because their friend’s children are doing well. For her to have thought of it and did it, she couldn’t stand the pressure at a place she calls her home.” Other reactions have speculated about other underlying issues, with some suggesting that “she has other issues not the score… maybe she’s pregnant”.

Social media reactions also highlighted the need for greater support from both families and society. D’Empress stated, “That’s why parents need to encourage and teach their children that failing sometimes is part of life’s growth process. Someone at home didn’t see the signs because signs are always there. Depression is real and only love can cure it.”

Meanwhile, Martins Billion pointed out that “I’m sure her parents must have really frustrated her and threatened her. We all face some form of failure at a point in our lives.” This brings into sharp focus the familial and social dynamics that may contribute to such tragic outcomes.

Some comments focused on the flaws of the system itself. Prof I. Enakhena, noted that the debate over the relevance of JAMB is growing, pointing out that “In many developed countries, universities conduct their own admission processes. Decentralizing admissions aligns Nigeria with international best practices.” Others suggested that JAMB’s approach to computer-based testing (CBT) with limited access to technology could disadvantage rural students, adding to the pressure many already face.

At the heart of the public outcry is the tragic reminder of the immense weight placed on the younger generation’s success in an educational system that may not always be equipped to provide adequate support. Ben, another social media user, lamented, “Education is not all that in this country for you to damage your life. There’s a lot of good things ahead of you apart from this UTME stuff.”

In light of the widespread concerns and criticisms, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a comprehensive review of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. The board acknowledged receiving a significant volume of complaints regarding unusually low scores and has initiated a fast-tracked system review.

JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, stated that the review would encompass all stages of the examination process, including registration, examination, and result release. To ensure a thorough and unbiased review, JAMB has engaged experts from various fields, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners who are heads of tertiary institutions, the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice-Chancellors from various institutions.

The board has assured the public that if any technical issues or errors are identified during the review, appropriate remedial measures will be implemented promptly.

The tragic suicide of teenager Opesusi Faith Timilehin has not only highlighted the overwhelming pressures students face but also sparked a nationwide reflection on mental health challenges within Nigeria’s academic system. As JAMB initiates a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, many are calling for meaningful reforms to reduce student stress and foster a more supportive educational environment.

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