A former Nigerian Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has voiced her support for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, after the findings of a panel which investigated alleged forgery of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test result by Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma.

i-News Nigeria reported that the Anambra State Government, last week, set up a panel of inquiry into the controversy. Led by Nkemdili Nnonyelu, the committee confirmed that Miss Mmesoma forged the score of 362 as earlier claimed by the JAMB.

Reacting to the latest development, Ezekwesili said she had seen and gone through the report of the panel and that she was satisfied with their outcome.

“I am satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma fair hearing to enable the committee to gather all facts,” she wrote on her verified Twitter handle, shortly after the report was made available to the public.

“Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB (on Mmesoma) as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system,” she said.

“I also recommend sustained counselling 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.”

She applauded the Professor Ishaq Oloyede-led JAMB for strengthening the body to conduct credible examinations over the years while calling for further support for the board on exam integrity.

“I wish to thank JAMB for their good 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,” she concluded.