The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained how a female candidate in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) refused to attempt any question due to superstition.

According to the examination body, this followed her grandfather’s instruction to await a ‘miraculous intervention’ instead of attempting the examination.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by JAMB Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

Although JAMB explained that the incident happened on Saturday, April 26, it, however, did not state the candidate’s name, state, or Computer-Based Tests (CBT) centre where it transpired.

Benjamin said: “On a lighter note, another dimension of gullibility was exhibited by a female UTME candidate who refused to attempt any question when she sat for the examination this morning because she was complying with the instruction of her grandfather to do nothing at the examination but wait for miraculous intervention.

“Of course, such miracles do not happen with JAMB.”

He advised candidates against superstitious and baseless dreams of reaping where they did not sow.

The incident raises questions about the influence of superstition on educational pursuits and the potential consequences of prioritizing beliefs over preparation and effort in academic endeavours. (The Guardian)