UTME 2026 Candidate Distraught After Scoring Lower Than Previous Year
A young Nigerian student, Blessing Eboselumen Victor, has expressed profound disappointment and sorrow after receiving her 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. The aspiring nursing student, who identified herself on TikTok as @xo.blexyn0, shared a screenshot of her scores online, revealing a significant drop from her previous performance.
From High Hopes to Heartbreak
In an emotional video post, Blessing narrated how she scored 285 in the UTME last year but declined an admission offer from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) because the course offered was not related to medical studies. She had hoped to rewrite the exam this year to achieve a higher score and secure admission for her desired nursing program. However, her 2026 UTME result showed a total score of 184, leaving her devastated and questioning her future prospects.
"At this point, all I can say is God has favourites," she lamented in her post. "What do you mean from getting 285 last year in JAMB to getting 184 this year in JAMB? Which school will take 184 for nursing? This pain hits differently. I failed myself, my family, and everyone who is supporting me. I did my best and God left the rest."
Subject Breakdown and Online Reactions
The screenshot of her result displayed scores in science subjects: English, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Her post quickly garnered attention on social media, with many users offering sympathy and advice. Some commenters suggested possible technical glitches in the grading system, while others shared similar experiences of declining scores upon rewriting the exam.
One user, Ruth, commented: "You wrote on the 18th right? Or Monday? There is a glitch and they are not saying anything about it." Another, Dee_vee, expressed shared anxiety: "Omo, me I'm already thinking of rewriting. Got 229 and wants to study medicine, omo." A third user, Derha~is~fyn~asf, offered a grim observation: "See ehnn, the more you write JAMB, the more your score will reduce. That's just how it works, my love."
Broader Context of UTME Challenges
This incident highlights the intense pressure and high stakes faced by Nigerian students in the UTME process, where scores directly impact university admissions and career paths. Many aspirants invest significant time and resources into preparation, only to face unpredictable outcomes. Blessing's case underscores the emotional toll of such academic pursuits, particularly when previous opportunities are declined in pursuit of specific goals.
In a related development, other UTME candidates have also shared their results online, with some celebrating achievements and others expressing disappointment. A father recently posted his underage daughter's science subject scores, showcasing the diverse range of experiences in the 2026 examination cycle.
As Blessing seeks advice and support from the online community, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in Nigeria's educational system and the personal resilience required to navigate them.
