Following the report by the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government confirming Mmesoma Ejikeme falsified her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination result, Nigerian automobile manufacturer, Innoson Automobile Company has revoked the scholarship given to her.
This was disclosed by the Head of Corporate Communications and Affairs, Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, on Saturday.
The panel recommended that Mmesoma immediately submit an unreserved written apology to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, the school (Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Uruagu Nnewi), and the state government and should undergo psychological counselling and therapy.
The eight-member panel had been set up by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Wednesday to investigate the ongoing controversy between the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and Mmesoma, whose UTME result has come under scrutiny, with the mandate of making its findings public.
Osigwe said the company have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results Ejikeme.
He added that subsequent reports of inconsistencies in her UTME score led the company to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and to allow her to voice her stance with a committee set up by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“In line with these principles and in response to the confirmed findings, we have made the hard decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action is a testament to our unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.
We acknowledge that this development is unfortunate, and it has undoubtedly caused disappointment among those who stood by Miss Joy including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters. However, it is vital to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents,” he said.
IVM added that it believes in rewarding outstanding students who display not just academic excellence but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that govern the educational system in Nigeria.
