As final-year students across the country sit for the 2025 WASSCE, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has cautioned candidates against relying on spiritual shortcuts for academic success, urging them to focus on preparation and personal responsibility.
Speaking to Irene Adubea Aning on the News in Focus programme aired on Joy Learning TV, Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the importance of prayer and faith but warned students not to fall for unproven religious practices during exams.
“I believe in the help that comes from God,” he began. “What you can get as a religious person on the day of exams is remembrance. He can help you recall things you think you have forgotten.”
He emphasized that divine help complements preparation, it does not replace it. “I don’t think anyone can generate answers for you. For example, a religious leader telling you to put a handkerchief inside your answer booklet, claiming it will miraculously produce answers—I don’t believe in that,” he warned.
He expressed concern that such actions could have long-term consequences. “I don’t want to believe in things that could ruin their future. But I believe there is confidence that comes from knowing God takes away fear,” he added.
Dr. Adutwum advised students to instead turn to prayer for clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. “When you face a difficult question and have forgotten what you learned, pray to God. Before you know it, ideas you’ve studied will flow, and you will do well,” he encouraged.
He concluded with a strong caution against replacing preparation with misplaced faith: “If God knew that a handkerchief could give you answers, He would have told you not to go to school. You can rely on divine providence, but not to the extent that some spiritual force will do the exam for you,” he stressed.
Source: Irene Adubea Aning
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