Psychologists Demand Support For Students After UTME-Related Suicide in Lagos
Psychologists Demand Support For Students After UTME-Related Suicide in Lagos
A 19-year-old girl from Lagos has tragically taken her own life after receiving her results for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), sparking calls from mental health professionals for a more holistic approach to supporting students facing exam-related stress.
Neighbours identified the deceased as Timilehin, a reserved and humble young woman with promising potential. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, she was living with her elder sibling in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos. Reports indicate she was distressed after scoring 190 in the recently released UTME results—a score she felt was lower than her previous year’s performance.
Community members expressed grief and blamed the examination process, while mental health experts emphasized the importance of supporting students’ emotional wellbeing. Speaking with Journalists on Tuesday, Michael Jacob, a psychotherapist and founder of Emotion Compass Academy, stressed that academic results do not define a student’s worth.
“Students struggling under the weight of disappointment need to understand: your value isn’t determined by a number on a result slip. The UTME is just one pathway; if one closes, others will open—you must be here to walk through them,” Jacob said.
He urged students to distinguish between academic setbacks and personal identity, cautioning against equating failure with personal failure. “Failing a test doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It simply means you’re human, you’ve tried, and you’re still learning. What you need most is compassion and a plan for moving forward,” he explained.
Jacob also emphasized the importance of seeking help. “When emotional pain becomes intense, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to someone you trust—a counselor, therapist, parent, or teacher. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he advised.
Psychologist Patricia Udosen highlighted how intense exam pressure and unmet expectations can be devastating. “The desire to succeed can be overwhelming, and not meeting those expectations can feel crushing. But failure isn’t the end. With the right mindset and support, students can become stronger and more resilient,” she said.
She recommended that students process their feelings constructively and seek support when needed. “It’s normal to feel disappointed or sad after a setback. Talking to trusted friends, family, or counselors can provide valuable comfort and guidance,” she stated.
Udosen also called on parents to show empathy and reassurance. “Listen without judgment and validate your child’s emotions. Focus on their effort and determination, not just the results. Support their emotional health and remind them that failure is a stepping stone to success,” she urged.
Similarly, clinical psychologist Hammed Lateefat stressed normalizing failure as an integral part of life. “Failure happens to everyone; it shouldn’t impact mental health negatively. Instead, encourage your children to learn from their lapses and keep going,” she advised.
In response to the widespread backlash from parents and students, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Monday that it is reviewing the recently released 2025 UTME results. In a statement from spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, the board said it is conducting an extensive post-examination review due to the “significant volume of unusual complaints” received following the results’ release last Friday.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, especially during high-stakes examinations.
