The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, as demanded by some Nigerians to look into the Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma saga, has vindicated the board.
This is disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen
by the the board’s Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian
Benjamin in Abuja on Saturday.
Benjamin said that the report had further reinforced the
position of the board that its system is not and cannot be compromised.
”It is to be noted that the board has built a reputation in
terms of the conduct of credible examinations over the years and cannot afford
to fail the nation at this critical juncture of its development.
”Therefore, we will not despair in spite of the painful
realisation that some Nigerians would do anything to cast aspersions on the
good name of the board.
”However, in spite of all the posturing of its detractors,
the board remains resolute and uncompromising in its commitment to give Nigeria
the best as far as credible and fair assessment is concerned,” he said.
Benjamin said the board is more than ever, determined to
continue to forge ahead unmindful of the shenanigan of those who desire its
fall.
”For the benefit of those who are still doubting the capacity
of Ms. Mmesoma to commit this egregious crime and those who are pushing the
narrative that the girl is just 16-years-old even against all available data
that indicate her age as an adult of 19 years, Ms. Mmesoma has owned up to
committing the heinous infraction.
”This infraction was carefully crafted to destroy the very
foundation of one of the nation’s agencies charged with the critical role of
apportioning the limited educational resource of the nation based on fairness
equity and integrity.
”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,” he aadded.l
He called on Nigerians to learn from this as well as
appreciate the genuine efforts of their critical national institutions to chart
the course of national rebirth.
According to him, this attitude of attacking everything that
makes the nation proud even by people who should know better is disheartening.
”The flip side of this is to infer that some ethnic
jingoists had perhaps been elevated to public office and recognition beyond
their mental and emotional capacity.
“The board would continue to be guided by the principles of
inclusiveness and fairness as demonstrated by its seamless and unprompted
deployment of a dedicated software called the Central Admission Processing
System (CAPS).
”This, not only eliminates human interference in the
admission process, but also engenders equity, fairness, transparency to all as
we do not know tribe or religion,” he said.
He assured the public of the unwavering commitment of the
board to upholding sanctity of the fabric of the nation’s educational system.
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, who may wish to
support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other
honours to deserving candidates not to be discouraged.
He urged them to always endeavour to verify from the board
any claim put forward by candidates.
He, therefore, warned candidates to stay away from
fraudulent Apps that promise to enhance their scores as the end result will
always be anguish and misery.
”The Mmesoma case should serve as an eye-opener especially
to those who hold the view that anything goes in Nigeria.
”Ours is a great agency with great potential, which requires
everybody’s collective and patriotic support as no nation develops beyond the
wishes and trust of its people.
”The board, on its part, will continue to appreciate the
unalloyed support of those who even risked being attacked by the social media
mob to stand on the side of truth.
”To those who have sent apologies after seeing the truth, we
call on them to continue to believe in the capacity of the board to deliver.
”We commend Anambra State Government for its patriotic and
unbiased posture all through the period of the national challenge. Let us all
put our hands together to build the Nigeria of our dreams as we congratulate
Miss Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere Umeh as the best scorer in the 2023 UTME
exercise.”
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