AMIDST JAMB FAILURE: Akerele urges faith and perseverance, offers, FROM PRESSURE TO PURPOSE – NAVIGATING UTME DISAPPOINTMENT WITH FAITH AND SUPPORT
The Executive President of the Lagos Central Baptist Conference, Dr Victor Akerele has provided a way out of the recent negative incident that occurred due to irregularities and failure in the last JAMB UTME Examination.
In a statement released in Lagos, Dr Akerele mapped out some salient points that can be done to mitigate the pains and frustrations of the incident .
In a statement titled: “From Pressure to Purpose: Navigating UTME Disappointment with Faith, Akerele urged both the parents and the students not to give up.
According to him, The 2025 UTME results indicated that more than 78 percent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the maximum 400 obtainable points. This outcome has raised serious concerns about the overall academic performance of students and the integrity of the examination process. In response to widespread concerns, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has promised to review the results, offering a glimmer of hope for students and parents who suspect technical or systemic issues.
Tragically, a 19-year-old girl, Opesusi Faith Timilehin, reportedly took her own life after scoring 190 in the recently released UTME results. This heartbreaking incident underscores the immense psychological pressure many students face, especially when results fall short of expectations.
Akerele said, “This is not a time for parents to be hard on their children. Instead, it’s a time to prioritize their mental health, reassure them of their value beyond exam scores, and help them regain confidence. Many of these students are currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), which is a crucial and long-standing academic qualification unlike the UTME, which expires after a year. The onus is therefore on parents and guardians to help their children put the JAMB disappointment behind them and refocus on WAEC, which offers broader academic and career possibilities.
Parents must also assure their children that even if, after the review, the UTME result remains the same or still falls below expectations, they will continue to stand with them, love them, and support their future efforts. Such steadfast assurance can bring deep emotional healing and renewed hope.
Similarly, this is a time for pastors to step in and offer spiritual and emotional support to young people. It is critical to remind them that failure is not final and that God is still at work in their lives. As Micah 7: 8 says, “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”
Akerele listed some key areas that parents can adequately focus on as follows;
1. Affirm their identity beyond exams:
Reassure your child that their self-worth is not tied to a score and that God has a purpose for their life beyond one exam.
2. Refocus their energy on what’s next:
Encourage them to focus on the ongoing WAEC examinations, which are vital and non-expiring qualifications.
3. Embrace other pathways:
Help them explore alternative academic or vocational paths that align with their gifts, passions, and long-term goals.
4. Watch for Warning Signs:
Seek professional counseling or guidance if signs of emotional distress, depression, or withdrawal appear.
5. Build a shelter of love and support:
Create a safe and loving home environment where your child feels accepted, supported, and encouraged to try again.
6. Share real stories of hope:
Tell them about people who initially faced setbacks but eventually succeeded through perseverance and faith.
7. Lead Them Spiritually:
Join them in prayer, the study of Scripture, and reflection to help reframe their identity in Christ rather than academic success.
8. Partner with their schools:
Work with educators or school counselors to find appropriate remedial plans or study strategies for future attempts.
What pastors and church leaders can do:
1. Preach hope, not perfection:
Preach sermons and share devotionals that address failure, resilience, and God’s unchanging plan for each individual.
2. Provide a safe place to heal:
Offer biblical counseling or referrals to Christian counselors for students struggling.
3. Anchor them in God’s word:
Use Scriptures such as Micah 7:8, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:13 to build their faith and resilience.
4. Mentor with purpose:
Create mentoring groups within the church where older youth or adults can counsel and support younger ones.
5. Show up personally:
Visit families and students to personally encourage them, particularly those who seem withdrawn or ashamed.
6. Testify to God’s grace:
Encourage testimonies from church members who overcame academic or life setbacks and later thrived.
7. Equip them beyond the classroom:
Partner with schools, ministries, or organizations to offer skill acquisition, entrepreneurship training, or career development workshops.
Let’s work together as parents, pastors, and communities to guide our young people with love, truth, and hope through times of academic disappointment. Let them know that success in life is not measured by one exam, but by walking faithfully in the purpose God has lovingly prepared for them.
