By Ibrahim AbdulSalam
The recent incident involving Ejikeme Mmesoma and
the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has spotlighted the
pressing issue of examination malpractice and the steps taken by examination
authorities to safeguard the credibility of their procedures. JAMB's resolution
to prohibit Mmesoma from participating in the exam for the subsequent three
years and retract her purportedly tampered score has ignited debates on the
importance of vigilance and impartiality in managing such situations. This
article delves into the measures implemented by JAMB and the obstacles
encountered in combating examination malpractice while addressing concerns
voiced by observers.
Claims of Examination Score Tampering:
JAMB charged Ejikeme Mmesoma with altering her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test scores, escalating her results from 249 to 362. In her defense, Mmesoma insisted that the elevated score shown on the JAMB website and transmitted via SMS was authentic. Despite her assertion, JAMB remained resolute, labeling the result as "blatantly counterfeit," implying a violation on the candidate's side.
JAMB's Reaction and Penalty:
The Spokesman for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr Fabian Benjamin, declared the cancellation of Mmesoma's 2023 UTME result and prohibited her from participating in the exam the for coming three years. The decision was made after thorough deliberation of the severity of the alleged violation. JAMB underscored its dedication to preserving the trustworthiness of its examinations, adhering to established protocols to ensure fairness and equality for all candidates.
Proof of Counterfeiting and the Introduction of Actual Result Slips:
JAMB further revealed that candidates were no longer given notification of result slips due to occurrences of falsification. Instead, the board began issuing actual UTME result slips, inclusive of each candidate's photograph since 2022. This step was designed to deter attempts at counterfeiting or meddling with result documents.
The incident involving Mmesoma included the counterfeiting of another candidate's result slip. JAMB identified the legitimate owner, Asimiyu Mariam Omobolanle, who scored 138 in the 2021 UTME. The candidate's effort to deceive by highlighting the QR code on the result slip only unveiled the reality of the counterfeiting.
Previous Occurrences and Public Prosecution:
JAMB pointed out that this was not the inaugural time candidates had made such deceitful claims. Mr. Benjamin referenced the case of John Chinedu Ifesinachi, who previously filed a lawsuit against JAMB but later apologized for the false allegation. JAMB guaranteed that the case involving Mmesoma would be meticulously scrutinized by appropriate security agencies. The board conveyed its readiness to hold an open public session involving the candidate, her parents/guardians, legal team, and anti-corruption and human rights agencies to monitor the proceedings.
Conclusion:
The incident involving Ejikeme Mmesoma underscores the vital necessity for examination authorities like JAMB to stay alert in the face of examination malpractice. By implementing rigorous measures and ensuring transparent investigations, JAMB aims to maintain the integrity of its examinations and protect the rights of truthful candidates. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the significance of fairness, precision, and compliance with established protocols in the educational evaluation process.
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