The Innoson Group says it has withdrawn it’s pledge of N3 million scholarship earlier offered Nmesoma Ejikeme when she declared that she scored 362 in the 2023 UTME examination.
Mmesoma had tauted a manipulated UTME result, which showed that she scored 362. But the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) faulted the result, arguing that she actually scored 249.
In spite of JAMB’s insistence that Mmesoma’s result was fake, Innoson Group said its N3m scholarship remains except investigation proves otherwise.
When the development generated deeper interest, JAMB finally handed a three-year ban on Mmesoma as a result of her insistence in her claim.
ALSO READ: UTME score: Our N3m scholarship remains except investigation proves otherwise – Innoson
The Anambra state government set up a committee to investigate JAMB’s allegation against Mmesoma, which report indicted her.
Innoson Group, in a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Cornel Osigwe, said the company was involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Ejikeme.
ALSO READ: [JUST IN] JAMB result: Anambra committee indicts Mmesoma [READ REPORT]
“However, subsequent reports of discrepancies in her UTME score led us to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to allow her to voice her stance, we engaged in direct dialogue with Miss Joy.
“Further to this, a committee set up by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter.
ALSO READ: Ezekwesili supports JAMB over ban on Mmesoma [READ FULL TWEET]
“The findings from this rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme did manipulate her UTME results. This conclusion is deeply disappointing and stands in direct contravention of the values we hold dear at Innoson Vehicles, particularly those that underscore our scholarship program.”
Osigwe disclosed that in line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, “We have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.
ALSO READ: How Mmesoma Got Ethnic Jingoists Elevated, By Fabian Benjamin
“We acknowledge that this development is regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Joy, including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters. However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents.
“Innoson Vehicles remains steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of our education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards. We have always been deeply committed to advancing educational excellence and upholding academic integrity through our scholarship program. We believe in rewarding exceptional students who display not just academic prowess but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that govern our educational system,” he added.
While expressing the company’s gratitude to Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Innoson Group stressed its commitment to education, adding “We extend our appreciation to the public, JAMB, the Anambra State Governor’s committee, and all those who have shown understanding and support during this challenging situation. We remain committed to fostering educational excellence in Nigeria.”
