ABUJA, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has issued a public statement following the admission by Ejikeme Mmesoma of her forgery of a contested UTME result.
JAMB, in a statement penned by Fabian Benjamin, Acting Director, PAP, expressed that the report from the Commission of Inquiry, established by the Anambra State Government, has substantiated the integrity of the board and its system.
This statement follows a controversy around Mmesoma’s claimed UTME score of 362, which an independent investigation, commissioned by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, revealed to be an authentic score of 249.
Benjamin, on behalf of JAMB, expressed disappointment at the actions of those who were quick to doubt the integrity of the board’s systems, stating: “It is 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.”
The statement also said, “The report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, an independent and unbiased body, as demanded by some Nigerians to look into the Mmesoma saga, has vindicated the Board. This has further reinforced the position of the Board that its system was not and cannot be compromised.”
The JAMB further emphasised its commitment to delivering a fair and credible assessment, promising to forge ahead undeterred by detractors.
It noted, “The Board remains resolute and uncompromising in its commitment to give Nigeria the best as far as credible and fair assessment is concerned.”
JAMB used this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to continue supporting and encouraging healthy competition by verifying any claims made by candidates.
It also issued a stern warning to candidates to stay away from fraudulent apps promising to enhance scores, citing Mmesoma’s case as a cautionary tale.
JAMB concluded its statement by commending the Anambra State Government for its unbiased posture throughout the controversy, reminding everyone to believe in the capacity of the board, and ultimately, to strive for the collective goal of building a greater Nigeria.
“Let us all put our hands together to build the Nigeria of our dreams,” the statement concluded, “as we congratulate Miss Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere as the best scorer in the 2023 UTME exercise.”
