The lower chamber of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives has announced the establishment of an ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of manipulation of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result against Anambra State candidate, Ejikeme Mmesoma.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that on Wednesday, the House confirmed its decision to initiate a probe into the various allegations leveled against the schoolgirl by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
This newspaper learnt that the committee’s primary focus will be to examine the claims made against Mmesoma and shed light on the matter.
Members of the House of Representatives expressed their dissatisfaction with the withdrawal of the candidate’s result and the subsequent three-year ban imposed on her.
The legislators suggested that the young girl may have been under the influence or manipulation of an adult in this matter.
They questioned the professionalism demonstrated by the exam body and emphasized the importance of considering the age and vulnerability of the candidate involved in such cases.
This development comes after JAMB on Tuesday, barred Ejikeme from participating in the UTME for a period of three years due to an alleged forgery of her results.
Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, emphasised that Mmesoma was the only candidate who presented an outdated notification slip among all the candidates who sat for the 2023 UTME.
Mr. Benjamin stated, “After carefully considering the seriousness of the infraction committed by Ms. Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma and following our established procedures, the Board has nullified her 2023 UTME result and prohibited her from taking any examinations conducted by the Board for the next three years.”
This newspaper earlier reported that the Anambra State government has also taken action by forming an eight-member committee to investigate the allegations against Mmesoma Ejikeme. However, the state government criticised JAMB for its handling of the situation, which has sparked a significant controversy in the country, with people taking different sides on the matter.
I’m hearing and reading nonsense on this matter. At this point, let us assume the girl is guilty of the offense, how come the punishment give to her is too heavy because of her age? Her age did not get to be wary and afraid of cheating! I believe the right punishment should be metted out in line with the rules.
JAMB is quick to overkill because of the region the girl comes from. I keep saying it. The level of unprofessional conduct by JAMB in this matter leaves a sour taste in the mouth. JAMB registrar must be prosecuted