Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has stated her satisfaction with the findings of the Anambra State Government’s Committee over the JAMB score saga between Miss. Ejekeme Joy Mmesoma and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Reacting to the findings of the committee, Ezekwesili stated in a statement published on her verified Twitter handle that she is “satisfied with the process and findings of the committee’s investigation, which gave Mmesoma a fair hearing to enable the committee to gather all facts”.
She stated that “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”.
While chiding Mmesoma for the forgery orchestrated by her, Ezekwesili stated her support for the sanctions JAMB imposed on the culprit. She said, “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.”
Ezekwesili’s statement reads:
“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”.
Earlier, in a separate tweet, the renowned economic policy expert and advocate for transparency, accountability, and good governance called for an independent Tech investigation to unravel the truth behind the JAMB score saga.
She said ” this saga between Mmesoma Ejikeme and @JAMBHQ requires an Independent Tech investigation to unearth all facts. Listening to her in this video, it is reasonable to request a forensic-investigation to help reveal what really happened”
The co-founder of the BringBackOurGirls movement, further stated that “An Independent investigation would turn this curious episode into a Learning Opportunity for @JAMBHQ and everyone, especially students.
“I frankly see no downsides in asking a team of Independent Technology folks to investigate and publicly share their findings. Let’s do it” she added.
Reacting to Ezekwesili’s statement on Twitter, Bigwig Austin stated that “The only take away from this saga is our society has so decayed that hardly do the young find anyone of note to model their life with.
“There is need for a deeper reflection as to the kind of leadership we have in Govt, Churches and lastly families”.
Another Tweep, Pappy Yankees reacted by saying “I am not totally impressed with the rigor of review done by the committee.
“In addition to the good work they have done , they could ve gone a step further to review through the systems and re evaluate the actual jamb answers submitted by the said girl during the jamb exams”.
However, some couldn’t hide their disenchanted towards the former minister for what they alleged as “calling out JAMB”.
Snipes stated that “Madam this isn’t an apology to @JAMBHQ for calling them out & taking sides before having a logical knowledge regarding the situation. An apology to @JAMBHQ would be appropriate”.
Ahmed chided her by saying “You’re now applauding JAMB after an investigation by an independent body? They don’t need your applause since you’ve shown the world the kind of distrust on a body as big as JAMB. The committee that reported is also a government one, then why trust that and not trust JAMB?”
Furthermore, while Beratting Ezekwesili over alleged “tribal sentiments” on the issue, Solomon Segun Idowu stated that it is common knowledge the registrar of JAMB is doing a good job.
He said “Madam, your emotion and tribal sentiment made you lost it at first. We all know jamb registra is doing a good job, so your encouragement and appreciation to jamb not needed at this point, you should be apologizing to jamb for systemically bringing tribal sentiment into this”.
