A generator fire incident at a Lagos UTME centre caused panic among parents and guardians as candidates were inside writing their exams. The incident occurred at Destiny CBT Centre in Ayobo, Lagos, during one of the exam sessions for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which began on April 19 and is scheduled to end on April 29.
In a video posted by TikTok user @holy_lee1, thick smoke and flames could be seen coming from the generator area, while worried voices could be heard in the background. Parents who had been waiting outside the centre for their children were visibly frightened, with some calling for immediate help.
Eyewitness Says Generator Was in Bad Condition
The eyewitness who posted the video alleged that the generator had been in poor condition before the incident. Though the full details of the fire’s cause were not confirmed at the time, the clip showed chaos around the exam venue as the fire sparked fear among those present.
Despite the panic, there were no reports of injury or exam disruption shared publicly. However, the event raised concerns about safety measures at some CBT centres across the country.
Candidates and Parents React
The video quickly drew attention online, with several students confirming that Destiny CBT Centre was also their assigned venue. One candidate commented, “This was my centre until they rescheduled me for another day.” Others shared mixed reactions, with some saying they had already completed their exam there without witnessing any issues.
A Call for Better Safety at CBT Centres
The fire incident has sparked conversation around the need for better safety checks and reliable power systems at UTME centres, especially in locations relying on generators during power outages. Many parents and education stakeholders are urging JAMB and CBT centre operators to conduct proper inspections to avoid similar occurrences in future exams.
As 2025 UTME candidates and their parents prepare for the next cycle, this serves as a reminder to stay alert, choose well-maintained centres where possible, and always report any signs of danger early.