The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to resolve the alleged results falsification case of Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme by conducting another examination.
Previously, Miss Ejikeme, a former student of Anglican Girls Secondary School in Nnewi, Anambra, celebrated achieving the highest score in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
However, JAMB released a statement on Sunday, signed by Dr Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson, accusing Miss Ejikeme of inflating her results for personal gain. JAMB stated that her results would be revoked, and she would face legal consequences.
During a press conference in Owerri on Tuesday, Mazi Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, the Financial Secretary of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing, urged JAMB to put the matter to rest by organizing a fresh examination for Miss Ejikeme.
Arthur-Ugwa expressed his concern about the embarrassing situation for the candidate, JAMB, and Nigeria as a whole. He called on JAMB to swiftly restore its reputation and that of the nation.
He further highlighted the negative psychological and emotional impact the allegations would have on Mmesoma. Arthur-Ugwa urged JAMB to refrain from causing harm to an innocent youth who has yet to be declared guilty pending the ongoing investigations.
“If necessary, we are willing to participate as independent observers during the administration of another examination to ensure a fair resolution to this matter,” he stated.
Arthur-Ugwa emphasized that JAMB had never previously reported any attempts to manipulate its website, emphasizing the importance of allowing investigations to proceed without preemptive judgments.
“Only a few years ago, JAMB informed us about a case where a large sum of money was allegedly swallowed by a snake at one of its offices. Today, we are told that the results of an examination that should determine admission into our esteemed tertiary institutions can no longer be trusted. JAMB must recognize its vital role in society and cease being associated with negative publicity,” he urged.
He concluded by suggesting that if the current management of JAMB is unable to fulfill its responsibilities, the Federal Government should consider a complete overhaul of the board to save the country and its people from unnecessary embarrassment.
EruditeAkinOmoakin (
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