Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has expressed satisfaction with the process and findings of the investigation of the Anambra State Government Committee report in the Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma versus Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score controversy.
Dr. Ezekwesili made the remarks in a post on her Twitter handle, @obyezeks, on Saturday.
News Band had earlier published the full text of the Anambra State Government Committee report on the raging controversy.
The Committee had, amongst other things, noted that the results released by JAMB) with respect to the UTME score of Mmesoma is actually 249.
It further noted that the results she paraded with aggregate score of 362 is fake and that Mmesoma admitted that she manipulated the fake results herself, using her phone.
The Committee, therefore, recommended that Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma tenders an unreserved written apology to JAMB, her School, Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Uruagu-Nnewi and the Anambra State Government.
It also recommended that Mmesoma undergo psychological counselling and therapy, while all prospective JAMB candidates adhere strictly to guidelines, processes and procedures of the examination body.
Reacting to the report, Ezekwesili said in the piece entitled “Mmesoma and JAMB Saga”:
“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.”
Accepting that Mmesoma’s action has consequences, Ezekwesili, therefore, backed the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.
She also recommended 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,” she added.
Ezekwesili thanked JAMB for their good work and encouraged the Registrar and his team to continue with their service to the country and people and to ensure that raising of awareness on exam integrity is sustained. Read more.
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