By Prince Gbemisola Obadeyi
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria, serves as a crucial gateway for candidates seeking admission into higher educational institutions.
However, a staggering 1.5 million candidates failed the examination in 2025, raising concerns regarding the underlying causes of this alarming statistic.
Among the myriad of factors contributing to academic underperformance, three prominent issues stand out: cultism, Yahoo Yahoo (internet fraud), and social media abuse.
These phenomena are intricately linked, fostering an environment that undermines the dedication and concentration required for academic success.*
*UNDERSTANDING CULTISM*
Cultism in Nigeria has long been a prevalent problem, particularly within educational institutions. These secret societies, often characterised by their rituals, secrecy, and sometimes violent initiation processes, attract students with promises of power, influence, and protection.
*IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE*
👉 *DISTRACTION FROM STUDIES*: Students who engage in cult activities often prioritise their allegiance to their cult group over academic responsibilities. The time and energy consumed by cult-related activities detract from study time, leading to poor academic performance.
👉 *VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION*: Cult clashes can create a hostile environment on university campuses. The fear of violence and intimidation can discourage students from focusing on their studies, ultimately affecting their exam preparedness and performance.
👉 *DROPOUT RATES*: The prevalence of cultism contributes to lower retention rates within institutions. Students who become involved in these groups may drop out of school either due to expulsion or the desire to leave the dangerous environment, further increasing the candidate failure statistics in UTME.
*THE YAHOO-YAHOO PHENOMENON*
Yahoo Yahoo, a colloquial term that refers to internet fraud in Nigeria, particularly targeting unsuspecting individuals both locally and internationally, has significantly influenced youth behavior.
*IMPACT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY*
👉 *TEMPTATION AND ETHICAL DILEMMA*: Young individuals drawn to the promise of quick wealth through fraudulent means often become distracted from their academic pursuits. The lure of easy money can lead students to abandon their studies, believing they can achieve financial success without formal education.
👉 *TIME MISMANAGEMENT* : The pursuit of internet fraud requires extensive time investment in learning deceptive techniques and locating potential victims. Students who engage in these activities find themselves with limited time and poor focus on studying for critical examinations like the UTME.
👉 *LEGAL CONSEQUENCES*: Many individuals caught in cybercrime face legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment. Such outcomes not only halt their educational progress but also stigmatise them, further diminishing their academic prospects.
*SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE*
Social media is a double-edged sword. While it provides valuable platforms for learning and connection, it also poses serious risks to academic performance, especially among adolescents and young adults.
*IMPACT ON CONCENTRATION AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS*
👉 *DISTRACTION FROM STUDIES* : The addictive nature of social media can lead to significant distractions, with students spending countless hours on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok instead of studying. This diversion contributes to inadequate preparation for high-stakes examinations.
👉 *COMPARATIVE ANXIETY*: Constant exposure to the curated successes of peers can create pressure and anxiety. Students may feel demoralised if they perceive themselves to be lagging, resulting in a decreased motivation to engage in their academic studies.
👉 *CYBER BULLYING AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES*: Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, impacting students’ mental health and self-esteem. Issues such as anxiety and depression can impair cognitive function, further diminishing academic performance and preparedness for examinations.
*The failure of 1.5 million candidates in the 2025 UTME can be attributed to a complex interplay of societal challenges, with cultism, Yahoo Yahoo, and social media abuse emerging as critical factors. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach incorporating educational reforms, awareness campaigns, and support systems for students.*
*Educational institutions, government bodies, and parents must work collaboratively to provide an environment that promotes academic excellence, ethical behaviour, and healthy social interactions. Only through collective efforts can we hope to curb these detrimental trends and improve students’ chances of success in academic examinations like the UTME, ultimately fostering a generation equipped for future challenges.*
*PRINCE GBEMISOLA OBADEYI SCP, CPA, LPC, AIGPCM*
*SOUTH WEST SECRETARY: POLICE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CULTISM AND OTHER VICES (POCACOV)*
