8th July, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Innoson Group has withdrawn the N3 million scholarship it granted to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme after she claimed she scored the highest mark of 362 in this year’s UTME, but was later discovered to be forged.
Mmesoma had at last said she forged her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score of 362 after she scored 249 as her authentic mark.
Innoson, in a statement issued by Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs, Innoson Group, on Saturday, said in recent days, it had been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of its scholarship recipients, Mmesoma.
“It was reported initially that Miss Joy scored exceptionally high on the exam, a feat that led to her being awarded a scholarship by our company.
“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.
“The findings from this rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme did manipulate her UTME results,” Innoson said.
According to Innoson, this conclusion was deeply disappointing and stood in direct contravention of the values it held dear, particularly those that underscored its scholarship programme.
“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. 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 programme 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,” it added.
The company said it had always been deeply committed to advancing educational excellence and upholding academic integrity through its scholarship programme, saying it believed in rewarding exceptional students who displayed not just academic prowess but also embodied the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that governed the nation’s educational system.
“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,” it said.