Mixed reactions as parents hold prayer crusade outside JAMB CBT centre

An emotional scene played out outside a JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre as a group of Nigerian parents held an impromptu prayer and worship session while their children sat for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a video currently making the rounds on social media, the parents — mostly mothers — were seen singing praises and calling down the Holy Spirit under a shaded area near the CBT centre. With hands lifted and voices raised in worship, they prayed fervently for divine intervention and success for their children inside the exam hall.

The touching moment has sparked a flurry of reactions online. While many Nigerians commended the parents for their show of spiritual support and commitment, others criticized the act, suggesting it may be misplaced.

Some netizens argued that such public displays of prayer should not substitute proper preparation and study habits, urging parents to focus more on encouraging their children to read well ahead of important examinations like the UTME.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@entdaily001: Some Nigerians dey always muzz me

@blessing: Omor!! I hope they read sha

@mirabel: Nigerians ooo we dey over do things

@flourish007: This must be a comedy, really.
Religious leaders, not just politicians, have played a major role in damaging the mental health of many Nigerians. My parents never needed to follow me to exam centres. A lot of students today spend more time on social media than studying, and then turn to God expecting a miracle. If you don’t prepare for an exam, you fail—simple as that.

@geetopsworld: Omo Nigeria no dey dissapoint… All this on top jamb exam, it’s well..

@tonyrunthings: Lol. Hope they read sha, pray and worship won’t pass exams.

@dangwari: 1. Their kids had four years to prepare for this exam; this isn’t the time for performative praise and worship.

2.If this were India, and JAMB was worth its salt, parents would be scaling fence to help their children pass that exam, not like this ‍♂️

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has yet to respond to the video, which continues to trend across various social media platforms.

As the UTME continues nationwide, moments like this shows the emotional and spiritual investment many Nigerian families place on academic success.