Ezekwesili, however, recommended counseling for Mmesoma while she reflects on the tragic episode
By Kehinde Okeowo
Activist and former minister of education, Obiageli Ezekwesili has thrown her weight behind the decision of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) to sanction Anambra schoolgirl, Ejikeme Mmesoma.
She made her position known on social media on Saturday, after the committee set up by the Anambra State governor, Charles Soludo to investigate the alleged falsification of her UTME result found her culpable of the allegation by the examination body.
The committee in its report discovered that Mmesoma forged the 362 score she claimed to have scored and that her authentic score is 249.
Ezekwesili, who had earlier called for an independent investigation into the matter, while reacting to the outcome of the panel, said she supports the sanctions imposed on the student by JAMB, as it would serve as a deterrent to others who participate in exam malpractices.
The former minister also expressed satisfaction with the process and the findings of the committee which she noted gave Mmesoma a fair hearing.
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She, however, recommended sustained counseling for her by the family, school and church, while she reflects on the tragic episode.
Taking to her verified Twitter handle, Ezekwesili wrote, “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.
“Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.
“I also recommend 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.
“I wish to thank JAMB for their good work 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.”