Mmesoma: Anambra Faults JAMB's Handling Of UTME Results Controversy, Sets Up Probe Committee
Anambra State government has expressed its disagreement with the way the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has handled the controversy surrounding the University and Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results presented by Mmesoma Ejikeme.
In a statement released by Sir Paul Nwosu, the state Commissioner for Information, on Wednesday, it was revealed that an ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the truth behind the issue, particularly after JAMB denounced the results as fake in a press release.
Nwosu further disclosed that in light of the situation, an eight-member committee of inquiry has been established to thoroughly investigate the JAMB/Mmesoma matter. The committee's findings will be made public once the investigation is concluded.
The committee is composed of distinguished individuals including Prof. Nkemdili Nnonyelu as Chairman, Prof. Mercy Okonkwo, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Prof. Maduabuchi Dukor, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo, Rev. Sr. Prof. Mary-Felicia Opara, Rev. Cannon Dr. Uchenna Umeifekwem, and Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the Managing Director of Anambra Information Communication Technology Agency.
In the official statement, it was stated,"The Anambra State Government has, for obvious reasons, been following the JAMB/Mmesoma Ejike matter with keen interest. It is important to note that Miss Mmesoma Ejike went to the office of the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh with her UTME result to protest that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board didn’t recognise her as the candidate with the highest score.
“The Commissioner in turn called JAMB to confirm her claim, but she was told that Mmesoma’s result was forged.
Subsequently, JAMB invited the State Security Service authorities to conduct an investigation and present their findings. However, before this investigation could take place, JAMB publicly addressed the issue, leading to the heated debates we have witnessed in the media.
Mr. Nwosu stated that the government has decided to conduct an "independent investigation" into the matter before taking a firm stance. He emphasized that, at this stage, they do not wish to engage in a verbal conflict or take sides. Instead, as a responsible government, they will conduct an impartial investigation.
"It is not our wish to join the slanging match or take sides at this stage. But as a responsible government, we have decided to undertake an independent investigation into the matter," said the commissioner.
The Anambra State government's intervention aims to ensure a fair and transparent resolution to the controversy surrounding Mmesoma Ejikeme's UTME results. The committee of inquiry will diligently evaluate all available evidence and present its findings to the public, providing clarity on this contentious issue.