The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has accused some Nigerians of using the controversy surrounding Joy Mmesoma’s result to denigrate the examination body.
In response to the release of the report by the Anambra panel of inquiry, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin stated, “The report has vindicated JAMB and has further reinforced the position of the board that its system was not and cannot be compromised.”
Background
In May, Mmesoma Ejikeme, a student of Anglican Girls Secondary School in Nnewi, Anambra, made headlines after her purported score of 362 in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME. However, exam body, JAMB alleged that she manipulated her result. It claimed that she did it to “deceive the public to fraudulently obtain a scholarship and other recognitions.”
According to the examination body, Mmesoma actually scored 249, not 362.
Investigation
The incident sparked varied reactions both on and off social media, leading the Anambra government to establish a panel to investigate the matter.
Earlier on Saturday, the panel revealed that Mmesoma had admitted to faking her result and recommended that she undergo counseling.
Reaction
Reacting to the panel’s findings, JAMB emphasized that Nigerians should appreciate the genuine efforts of their critical national institutions. It also said citizens should not be discouraged from awarding scholarships to deserving candidates.
The JAMB spokesperson expressed, “It is, therefore, highly regrettable that some Nigerians, who do not believe in the strength and resourcefulness of their nation’s institutions, would latch on to any opportunity to pull the board down to their level of perfidy.”
JAMB further appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to verify claims made by candidates before awarding scholarships or other honors.
“We appeal to all those well-meaning Nigerians, who may wish to support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other honors to deserving candidates not to be discouraged but should always endeavor to verify from us any claim, no matter how innocuous, put forward by candidates.”
The examination body reiterated its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the nation’s educational system. It also pledged to deliver credible and fair assessments. JAMB emphasized that it would continue to be guided by the principles of inclusiveness and fairness. Citing the seamless and unprompted deployment of the Central Admission Processing System, CAPS.
CAPS is a dedicated software that eliminates human interference in the admission process and ensures equity, fairness, and transparency for all candidates regardless of tribe or religion.
