REPERCUSSIONS OF UTME FRAUD: SCHOLARSHIP WITHDRAWN FROM EMBATTLED CANDIDATE.
- In light of Mmesoma Ejikeme’s recent confession to forging her UTME scores, Innoson Vehicles has retracted the scholarship it previously awarded her. Innoson Vehicles expressed disappointment in this revelation, as it contradicts the principles underpinning their scholarship program. The company remains committed to upholding high ethical standards.
Following the shocking admission of academic deceit by Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma, who falsely represented her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, has made the difficult decision to withdraw the previously awarded scholarship.
| Subject | Mmesoma Ejikeme |
| Incident | Forging of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, score |
| Stakeholder | Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Chief Innocent Chukwuma |
| Response | Withdrawal of the scholarship initially awarded to Mmesoma |
| Ramification | Mmesoma’s father, Romanus Ejikeme, tendered an unreserved apology |
| Investigation | Carried out by a committee set up by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo |
| Outcome | Confirmation of UTME results manipulation |
| Implication | Damage to the reputation of Mmesoma, possible legal repercussions, lost opportunities, and public disgrace |
Apology from the Family
Romanus Ejikeme, Mmesoma’s father, has offered an unreserved apology to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the people of Nigeria for the unfortunate actions of his daughter.
Originally, Chief Chukwuma had deposited N3 million into a dedicated account for Mmesoma’s university education, based on initial reports of her exceptional UTME score.
Official Statement from Innoson Group
Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs at Innoson Group, said in a recent statement: “In recent days, we have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme.”
He further explained that Mmesoma’s remarkable exam score led to her being awarded a scholarship by the company. However, the discovery of inconsistencies in her UTME score prompted the company to liaise with JAMB and engage in direct dialogue with Mmesoma.
Independent Investigation Confirms Fraud
A committee established by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, conducted an exhaustive independent investigation into the matter. The results of this rigorous inquiry confirmed that Mmesoma indeed manipulated her UTME results.
This disappointing outcome contradicts the values of Innoson Vehicles and particularly undermines the foundation of their scholarship program. “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 noted.
Withdrawal of Scholarship and Innoson’s Stance
In response to these confirmed findings, the company has reluctantly withdrawn the scholarship previously awarded to Mmesoma. This decision aligns with their unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.
While this development has caused distress amongst Mmesoma’s supporters, including her school principal and other well-wishers, the company asserts the importance of preserving the integrity of their scholarship program and the principles it represents.
Despite the regrettable situation, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing maintains its mission to support deserving students and invest in the educational sector’s future while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Osigwe concluded the statement by thanking the public, JAMB, the Anambra State Governor’s committee, and everyone who has shown understanding and support during this difficult situation. The company remains dedicated to promoting educational excellence in Nigeria, rewarding exceptional students who not only excel academically but also exemplify honesty, transparency, and respect for the educational system’s governing processes.
