Following the completion of an investigation into an accusation of result falsification against Mmesoma Ejikeme, the embattled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) applicant, Innoson Vehicles has withdrawn the N3m scholarship it had offered her.
Ejikeme claimed to have scored 362 points, putting her at the top of the list of the year’s top performers.
Mr Innocent Chukwuma, the founder of the vehicle firm situated in Nnewi, Anambra, announced the scholarship on May 8 in honor of the alleged achievement.
Last Monday, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) vehemently denied Ejikeme’s claim, claiming her results were falsified. This caused the Anambra State Government to form an investigation committee.
The panel’s highly awaited conclusions were made public in an eight-page report on Saturday, confirming that Ejikeme altered her result, giving herself a score of 362 instead of the true score of 249.
Innoson Group quickly retracted its scholarship offer to the 19-year-old in a series of tweets written by Cornel Osigwe, its Head of Corporate Communications and Affairs.
The auto manufacturer admitted that the findings were deeply disappointing and that Ejikeme’s actions stood in direct contravention of the values the company held dear.
“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,” it said.
“This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2023Innoson Vehicles Withdraws Scholarship from Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme Following UTME Score Manipulation.
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— Innoson Vehicles (@innosonvehicles) July 8, 2023
The firm described the development as regrettable, adding that it had “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,” the statement noted.
Innoson further stated that it remained steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of our education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
“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,” it said.
