JAMB Pledges To Sanitize Public Education Sector As Mmesoma Admits Forging Result

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has pledged not to relent in it’s efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s education sector, even as the Board noted it has been vindicated by Mmesoma Ejikeme’s acknowledgement of forging her result.

A statement on Saturday by the Acting Director Public Affairs and Protocol of JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin noted that the report submitted by the panel set up by the Anambra State Government to look into the Mmesoma saga as an independent and unbiased body, further reinforced the position of the Board that its system was not and could not be compromised.

He said: “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.

“In fact, the Board is, more than ever, determined to continue to forge ahead unmindful of the shenanigan of those who desire its fall.”

The Board added, “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, which 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.

“One vital lesson that Nigerians should learn from the imbroglio, is to learn to appreciate the genuine efforts of their critical national institutions to chart the course of national rebirth. Hence, 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), which 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.”

The Board appealed to well-meaning Nigerians with a heart to support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other honours to deserving candidates not to be discouraged by the action’s of Mmesoma, but should always endeavour to verify any claim from the Board before doing so.

While warning candidates to stay away from fraudulent Apps as the end result would always be anguish and misery, JAMB noted that the Mmesoma’s case should serve as an eye-opener “especially to those who hold the view that anything goes in Nigeria.”