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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said on Saturday, that it has been vindicated by the report of panel of enquiry set up by Anambra State government to ascertain the truth regarding the claims by Miss Mmesomma Ejikeme, that she scored the highest in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) which JAMB claimed otherwise.
Report of the Committee which was released on Friday found Mmesomma guilty of forging the UTME result that indicated that she scored 362 as against 249 that she originally scored.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol of JAMB, in a statement, on Saturday, appreciated the Anambra State government and the investigation committee for the thorough job that gave justice to all and the outcome that confirmed that Miss Mmesomma faked her UTME result.
He said: “The report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, an independent and unbiased body, as demanded by some Nigerians to look into the Mmesoma saga, has vindicated the Board. This has further reinforced the position of the Board that its system was not and cannot be compromised.
“JAMB has built a reputation in terms of the conduct of credible examinations over the years and cannot afford to fail the nation at this critical juncture of its development. We will not despair in spite of the painful realization that some Nigerians would do anything to cast aspersions on the good name of the Board.
“However, in spite of all the posturing of detractors, JAMB remains resolute and uncompromising in its commitment to give Nigeria the best as far as credible and fair assessment is concerned.
“Mmesoma has owned up to committing the heinous infraction which was carefully crafted to destroy the very foundation of one of the nation’s agencies charged with the critical role of apportioning the limited educational resource of the nation based on fairness equity and integrity.
“It is, therefore, highly regrettable that some Nigerians, who do not believe in the strength and resourcefulness of public institutions would latch on to any opportunity to pull the Board down to their level of perfidy.
“One vital lesson that Nigerians should learn from this is to learn to appreciate the genuine efforts of their critical national institutions to chart the course of national rebirth, hence, this attitude of attacking everything that makes the nation proud even by people who should know better, is disheartening.”
He promised that the Board would continue to be guided by the principles of inclusiveness and fairness as demonstrated by its seamless and unprompted deployment of a dedicated software called the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), which not only eliminates human interference in the admission process, but also engenders equity, fairness, transparency to all irrespective of tribe or religion.
He assured Nigerians of their unwavering commitment to upholding sanctity of the fabric of the nation’s educational system hence the resolve of JAMB to always deliver credible and fair assessment remains unshaken.
He also appealed to Nigerians who may wish to support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other honours to deserving candidates not to be discouraged but should always endeavour to verify any claim put forward by candidates.
He advised candidates to stay away from fraudulent digital platforms that might promise to enhance their scores as the end result would always be anguish and misery.
“The Mmesoma case should serve as an eye-opener especially to those who hold the view that anything goes in Nigeria. Ours is a great agency with great potential, which requires everybody’s collective and patriotic support as no nation develops beyond the wishes and trust of its people,” he said.
He said the Board will continue to appreciate the unalloyed support of those who even risked being attacked by the social media mob to stand on the side of truth. “Your trust in us would never be taken for granted as we also appeal to our detractors to sheathe their swords and be part of the movement to build a greater Nigeria.”
He commended Anambra State Government for its patriotic and unbiased posture all through the period of the national challenge, and congratulated Miss Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere who emerged as the best scorer in the 2023 UTME exercise.
