More than 1.5 million candidates failed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The staggering number has raised serious concerns among educators and public safety advocates, who point to deep-rooted societal issues affecting students’ academic performance.
According to Prince Gbemisola Obadeyi, South West Secretary of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), cultism, internet fraud—commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”—and social media abuse are among the major contributors to this alarming trend.
> “These three factors are silently eroding the academic foundation of many young Nigerians,” Obadeyi said. “They create an environment where discipline, focus, and ethical values are undermined, making it increasingly difficult for students to succeed in examinations like the UTME.”
Cultism: Distraction, Violence, and Dropouts
Cultism continues to fester in many secondary and tertiary institutions, where secret societies recruit students with promises of protection, power, and social status. Obadeyi explains that involvement in cult groups often leads to violent clashes, fear, and disruptions on campuses.
> “Students involved in cultism prioritize group loyalty over academic responsibilities,” he noted. “The time spent on cult-related activities is time taken away from studies. Worse still, the fear of violence can destabilize entire learning environments.”
He added that students who are expelled or choose to drop out due to cult-related violence further inflate failure and dropout statistics, ultimately weakening the nation’s educational outcomes.
Yahoo Yahoo: The Lure of Fast Money
Obadeyi also drew attention to the increasing number of youths drawn into internet fraud. The promise of fast money through deceitful online practices distracts many from their studies, replacing long-term academic goals with short-term financial pursuits.
> “Students spend countless hours learning and executing fraudulent schemes, leaving little time or interest in formal education,” Obadeyi said. “Some end up facing legal consequences that permanently derail their academic and professional futures.”
Social Media Abuse: A Growing Digital Obstacle
While social media platforms offer educational opportunities, Obadeyi emphasized that many students fall into the trap of misuse, spending excessive time on non-academic content.
> “Social media has become a major source of distraction,” he explained. “Beyond that, it contributes to mental health challenges through cyberbullying, anxiety, and constant pressure to keep up with others’ lives. These issues directly affect students’ ability to concentrate and perform academically.”
Urgent Call for Collective Action
Prince Obadeyi stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral response to these challenges. He called on schools, families, and government institutions to work together to create environments that foster discipline, learning, and moral integrity.
> “We must address these problems not only through enforcement but also through education, mentorship, and sustained engagement with our youth,” he urged.
Through initiatives like POCACOV, Obadeyi and his colleagues continue to raise awareness about the dangers of cultism, cybercrime, and social media abuse—advocating for a future where Nigerian students can thrive in safe, supportive academic environments.