Preparing for the JAMB exam is already stressful enough on its own. From studying hard, attending lessons, and practicing past questions, candidates put in a lot of effort to get ready for the big day. But one thing nobody ever plans for is falling sick—especially when it happens just days before the exam. It can be scary, confusing, and even heartbreaking. But the truth is, sickness can happen to anyone, and if it does, you don’t need to panic. What matters most is knowing the right steps to take if you ever find yourself in this kind of situation.
First, Don’t Panic or Feel Like All Hope Is Lost
When you’re not feeling well close to your exam day, your first reaction might be fear or frustration. That’s completely normal. But it’s important not to allow panic to take over. Falling sick doesn’t mean your dreams are over. In fact, many students have faced health issues and still found a way to succeed. So instead of thinking negatively, try to stay calm and focus on the next step. Panicking will only worsen your condition, especially if you’re dealing with things like high blood pressure, stress-related illness, or anxiety. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that there’s always a way forward.
Go to a Hospital Immediately and Get a Medical Report
The moment you start to feel seriously ill, don’t try to manage it at home with just paracetamol or over-the-counter drugs. Go to a hospital or clinic that is registered and ask to see a qualified medical doctor. Let the doctor know your condition and explain that you are preparing to write a very important national exam. After your consultation, ask for a medical report. This document is extremely important because it is the only official proof that can explain your health condition to JAMB if the situation gets worse and you are unable to sit for the exam. The report should clearly show your full name, the date you visited the hospital, the doctor’s observation, and whether or not you are fit to write an exam.
Inform a Trusted Adult and Don’t Handle It Alone
Many students make the mistake of hiding their health problems, either because they are scared or they don’t want to disturb anyone. But this is not the time to keep quiet. Once you start feeling sick, inform your parents, guardian, elder sibling, or a teacher that you trust. You will need someone to support you, especially if your sickness gets worse. That person can help you monitor your health, take you to the hospital, help you speak to JAMB officials if needed, and guide you on the next steps to take. Trying to handle everything alone when you’re already feeling weak is never a good idea.
Visit the Nearest JAMB Office With Your Medical Report If the Illness Is Serious
If your sickness becomes serious enough to stop you from writing the exam on your scheduled date, you will need to visit a JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre. Go along with your printed JAMB slip and the medical report from the hospital. When you get there, calmly explain your condition to the officials and submit the report. In some situations, JAMB may take action depending on your case. While they don’t always reschedule exams, they might make special considerations, especially if your illness is genuine and properly documented. Even if they don’t change your exam date, reporting early shows that you are honest and responsible, which may help later in your admission process.
If the Illness Is Mild and You Can Still Write, Prepare Yourself Carefully
Not all illnesses require missing the exam. Sometimes it could be a minor fever, a slight headache, or tiredness caused by stress. If the doctor says you’re well enough to write the exam, then start preparing yourself to go on exam day. Make sure you take all your medications as prescribed, eat something light but healthy before leaving home, and carry a bottle of water if you can. If your exam center is far, leave early to avoid rushing or getting tired on the way. You can also speak to the officials at the center and explain that you’re not feeling too strong—they may help you sit near a fan, or in a less crowded corner, to make you more comfortable.
Don’t Use Sickness as an Excuse if You’re Not Truly Ill
It’s important to be honest. Don’t lie about being sick just because you feel unprepared or nervous. JAMB takes medical cases seriously, but they will only respond to genuine cases backed by real hospital documents. If you fake sickness to look for a second chance, it may backfire. So, if you’re just feeling scared or anxious, talk to someone, pray, and try to calm yourself. Many students feel the same way before exams, but they still do well once they sit down and start answering questions. So don’t let fear make you look for shortcuts.
Be Careful with Self-Medication Before the Exam
Many students make the mistake of taking random drugs to treat themselves days before the exam, especially when they start feeling small symptoms like headache, tiredness, or stomach upset. This can lead to bigger problems if the drug affects your body badly. Some drugs can make you sleepy, dizzy, or weak during the exam. So before taking any medicine, especially close to your exam date, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Don’t just collect tablets from a friend or neighbor because “it worked for them.” Your body is different, and a small reaction could make you miss your exam.
Final Advice to All Candidates
No one ever plans to fall sick before JAMB, but sometimes life happens. What matters most is what you do about it. Always take your health seriously, and don’t wait until things get worse before you act. If you’re feeling ill, go to the hospital early, collect a medical report, and inform your parents or guardian. If your sickness is serious, report to the nearest JAMB office with your hospital papers. If it’s something you can manage, follow your doctor’s advice and get yourself ready to write the exam.
Your health is important, and so is your future. With the right steps, you can still move forward, no matter what challenges come your way. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and never give up.
Thank u so much for everything