The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed an unusual incident from the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) where a female candidate reportedly refused to attempt any of the examination questions, citing instructions from her grandfather to expect a 'miraculous intervention'.

This peculiar situation was disclosed in a statement released on Saturday by JAMB's Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

While JAMB confirmed the incident occurred on Saturday, April 26th, the examination body did not disclose the candidate's identity, her state of origin, or the specific Computer-Based Test (CBT) center where this transpired.

Dr. Benjamin stated, “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.”

JAMB used the opportunity to advise candidates to steer clear of superstitious beliefs and unfounded expectations of achieving success without personal effort and adequate preparation.

This incident brings to the forefront the significant influence that superstition can have on educational pursuits. It also raises concerns about the potential detrimental consequences when deeply held beliefs take precedence over the necessary hard work and preparation required for academic success.