Student Hospitalized After Receiving UTME Result: A Heartbreaking Tale of Academic Pressure

A Nigerian student has been rushed to the hospital following a severe anxiety attack triggered by the outcome of his 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result. The incident, which quickly gained attention on social media, has sparked conversations about the immense pressure students face and the growing mental health challenges associated with academic performance.

The heart-wrenching story was shared by the student’s sister on TikTok, where she uses the handle @big_ellaa7. In the emotional video, she showed her younger brother lying on a hospital bed, visibly shaken and distressed. According to her, the student had been full of hope and happiness after writing the exam, confident that his performance would reflect his efforts. However, the result he received was so disappointing that it triggered an anxiety attack.

The sister explained that her brother had invested considerable effort into preparing for the UTME, studying intensely with the belief that his future depended on it. After completing the exam, he returned home in high spirits, convinced that he had answered the questions correctly. However, upon checking his result, the crushing reality set in, leading to an overwhelming sense of despair and a subsequent anxiety attack that required medical attention.

In her TikTok post, the sister expressed her frustration and sadness, stating, "My brother after seeing his JAMB score. He had an anxiety attack. He was rushed to the hospital. He studied like his life depended on it." She went on to express concerns about the examination process, adding, "After he wrote the exam, he came back so full of joy because he felt he answered them correctly. I just hope this failure isn’t done intentionally because it’s messing up these children’s mental health."

While the exact score of the student was not disclosed, the sister indicated that it was significantly lower than expected, enough to trigger such a severe emotional reaction. In a follow-up comment, she lamented, "2025 JAMB did him dirty. Get well soon my love. I no fit ask person wey de hospital wetin him score shaa… I just know it’s very bad for him to have that anxiety attack."

The video has garnered widespread reactions, with many expressing concern over the mental well-being of students who face immense pressure to excel academically. Social media users have rallied around the student, sending well wishes for his recovery while also questioning the stressful nature of the examination system.

Mental health experts have often warned about the impact of high academic expectations on young individuals, particularly in Nigeria, where achieving high UTME scores is often seen as crucial for gaining admission into universities. The pressure to meet these expectations can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, physical manifestations of stress.

This incident has sparked a debate about the need for better mental health support for students and a more balanced approach to academic assessments. Educational stakeholders are being called upon to address the systemic issues that place undue pressure on students, potentially leading to incidents like this.

As the story continues to unfold, the student’s well-being remains a primary concern. Many hope that his recovery will serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside academic achievement. For now, the outpouring of support from both online communities and friends offers some solace in the face of a challenging situation.