Mental health experts are urging systemic reforms following the tragic suicide of 19-year-old Timilehin in Lagos, who took her life after scoring 190 in the 2025 UTME. The Ikorodu resident, described by neighbors as a quiet, promising student, had reportedly been distressed by the result which was lower than her previous score.
Psychotherapist Michael Jacob told PUNCH: "Your value isn't defined by an exam score. The UTME is just one doorway - you must be here to walk through others." He emphasized that academic failure shouldn't be conflated with personal worth, urging students to seek help rather than suffer in silence.
The incident has sparked national conversation about exam pressures, with JAMB announcing an expedited review of results due to "unusual complaints." Psychologist Patricia Udosen advised parents: "Focus on effort, not just results. Failure is a stepping stone, not the end." Clinical psychologist Hammed Lateefat added that society must normalize failure as part of life's learning process.
#UTMETragedy #MentalHealthMatters #JAMB #StudentSuicide #NigeriaEducation #ExamPressure #SaveOurStudents #EndTheStigma