A former minister of education, Obiageli Ezekwesili has reacted to the findings of the committee set up by the Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo to investigate the saga between the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and Ejikeme Mmesoma over her UTME result.
Ezekwesili said she supports the sanctions imposed by JAMB on her, saying it would serve as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within the nation’s educational system.
The committee discovered that Mmesoma forged the 362 score she was parading against the authentic score, 249.
Ezekwesili made it fully known that she is satisfied with the process and the findings of committee which gave Mmesoma fair hearing.
In a statement via her verified Twitter handle on Saturday, the former Minister recommended a sustained counseling for Mmesoma by her family, school and church.
She wrote, “I have just read the report of the Committee set up by Anambra State Government to investigate and report their independent findings on the Mmesoma and JAMB Saga.
“I am satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma fair hearing to enable the Committee gather all facts.
“It was necessary to have independent evidence that the result Mmesoma laid claim to publicly was not only fake but that the forgery was personally orchestrated by her.
“There are usually syndicates at the center of perpetration of exam malpractices in Nigeria but it appears not to be so in Mmesoma’s case from the facts of the Committee’s report.
“Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.
“I also recommend sustained counseling for Mmesoma by the family, school and church to support her as she reflects on this tragic episode and makes a decision to embrace values and rewards of effort while eschewing dishonest gain for the rest of her life.
“I do hope that the lessons of this case will help all our pupils, students, parents, guardians and the public at large renew a collective commitment to uphold Exam Integrity in Nigeria as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Values and Reward System for our children and youth.
“I wish to thank JAMB for their good work and encourage the Registrar and his team to continue with their critical service to our country and people as we all join them to sustain raising of awareness on Exam Integrity.”
