The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that the report of the Commission of Inquiry, established by the Anambra State Government has strengthened JAMB’s position that its system remains uncompromised.
The committee was an impartial and independent body set to investigate the Mmesoma’s controversy.
In a statement issued by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Acting Director of Public Affairs at JAMB, it was emphasized that “the Board has developed a reputation for conducting credible examinations throughout the years and is committed to upholding its integrity during this crucial phase of the nation’s development.”
Despite the disheartening realization that some individuals are willing to tarnish the Board’s reputation, Dr. Benjamin assures that JAMB will not lose hope.
Dr. Benjamin also issued a cautionary warning to candidates, urging them to steer clear of fraudulent apps that claim to enhance their scores.
He emphasized that the outcome of relying on such means will only bring anguish and misery.
He also highlighted that “the Mmesoma case should serve as an awakening, particularly for those who believe that anything goes in Nigeria.”
Earlier, an eight-member panel of inquiry commissioned by the Anambra State Government confirmed Mmesoma Ejikeme’s manipulation of her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result, revealing that her actual score was 249, not the purported 362 she claimed.
The panel report further recommended that Mmesoma issue an unreserved written apology to JAMB, Anglican Girls’ Secondary School (Uruagu Nnewi), and the state government. It also advised her to undergo psychological counseling and therapy.
The panel, appointed by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, conducted interviews with relevant parties, including Mmesoma, JAMB officials, individuals involved in the process, and the principal of Anglican Girls’ Secondary School.
The findings disclosed that Mmesoma had submitted a different registration number to JAMB, presenting a UTME result with an aggregate score of 362, which significantly deviated from the standard JAMB format. However, her actual score, as confirmed by JAMB, was 249.
The panel’s report, shared online and addressed to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was made available by Sir Paul Nwosu, the Commissioner for Information. It highlighted the discrepancies in registration number, date of birth, center name, and other infractions, which unequivocally indicated that Mmesoma had falsified her results.
Mmesoma herself “admitted to manipulating the fake results using her phone.”
Mrs. Edu Uche, the Principal of Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, and the Education Secretary of the Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) expressed their dismay at Mmesoma’s conduct.
This comprehensive report, titled “Report of the Committee on Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma’s JAMB Score Controversy,” reaffirms that Mmesoma was well aware of her true score of 249.