A former minister of education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has advised Nigerian parents and students to learn the need to uphold examination integrity in the country from Ejikeme Mmesoma/JAMB saga.
In Ezekwesili’s opinion, upholding moral values will serve as “a cornerstone of Nigeria’s values and reward system for our children and youth.”
Reacting to the findings of the probe committee instituted by the Anambra state government, the former minister noted in a tweet on Saturday, July 8, that she was “…satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma [a] fair hearing to enable the Committee [to] gather all facts.”
Ezekwesili, like many other well-meaning Nigerians, believes 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.”
The ex-minister went on to admit that “Mmesoma’s action has consequences…” and therefore, gave her support for the “sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.”
She recommended “sustained counselling for Mmesoma by the family, school, and church to support her as she reflects on this tragic episode”.
Ezekwesili expressed hope that “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. “
