A young Nigerian student, Atambi John Ofar, has expressed deep disappointment after checking his 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board result, despite months of intense preparation. The boy, who had a strong academic record including a B3 in WAEC Biology, scored an aggregate of 172 in the UTME, with a shocking 46 in Biology.
Student's Ordeal
Atambi, who finished secondary school in 2025, decided to wait until 2026 to take the JAMB exam because he felt unprepared the previous year. He shared his story on TikTok, explaining that he had been studying since June 2025, focusing on past questions and subjects like Physics and Chemistry. Despite his efforts, his result left him in tears.
Exam Experience
According to Atambi, the exam felt easy, and the questions appeared familiar, giving him confidence. However, his joy turned to sorrow when he saw his scores: English 59, Physics 59, Chemistry 47, and Biology 46. For a student aspiring to study Nursing, this score is far below the competitive cut-off marks for most Nigerian universities.
Mother's Expectations
In his emotional video, Atambi broke down, fearing his mother's reaction. He revealed that his mother had been boasting to her friends about his academic abilities, expecting him to be among the top scorers in the country. The pressure of living up to her expectations added to his distress.
Reactions from Social Media
Legit.ng compiled reactions from TikTok users who watched the video. Many offered words of encouragement and advice. Twinny? Angels said: "Sorry, your result is good, it's not that bad depending on the course you want to study." Dat girl tee commented: "I scored 205, me that wanted to study medicine. The Lord help you sha." Fazzy lord suggested: "We have IMSU, Uniport, Poly, and private university." Daily Vibe TV advised: "Guy, you tried na, you can go for nursing in a private university, they accept." CELEB shared: "Same here. 209, I give up, switching to radiography." Angel noted: "Why is everyone getting English 59? Even me with my English score, and a lot of people have the same." BENIAH said: "It's okay, actually it's not easy. Put God first in everything."
Broader Context
Atambi's story is not unique. Many Nigerian students face similar challenges with JAMB scores that do not reflect their true potential. The pressure to perform well, especially for competitive courses like Nursing, can be overwhelming. Legit.ng also reported on a mother who shared her son's WAEC and JAMB results on X, sparking discussions about the disparities between the two exams.
This incident highlights the need for better preparation strategies and emotional support for students navigating Nigeria's demanding education system.
