Innoson Revokes The Scholarship Granted To Mmesona Due To UTME Fraud

In light of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Anambra State Government, which confirmed the manipulation of Mmesoma Ejikeme’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result, Innoson Automobile Company, a Nigerian automotive manufacturer, has decided to retract the scholarship previously granted to her.

According to Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications and Affairs at Innoson Group, the company’s decision was announced on Saturday. The panel’s eight-page report, as reported by The PUNCH, also recommended that Mmesoma issue an unconditional written apology to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Anglican Girls’ Secondary School (Uruagu Nnewi), and the state government, and undergo psychological counseling and therapy.

Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo had established the eight-member panel to investigate the ongoing dispute between Mmesoma and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board regarding her UTME result. The panel was tasked with releasing its findings publicly.

Osigwe stated that Innoson had been actively involved in investigating the allegations surrounding Mmesoma’s 2023 UTME examination results. As discrepancies in her scores emerged, the company sought clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and allowed her to present her position before a committee set up by Governor Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

“In light of these principles and based on the confirmed findings, we have taken the difficult decision to rescind the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action reaffirms our unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and recognizing merit-based achievements,” stated Osigwe.

He acknowledged that this development was regrettable and may have disappointed those who supported Miss Joy, including her school principal and other well-meaning individuals. However, it was deemed necessary to uphold the integrity of the scholarship program and the values it represents.

IVM (Innoson) further emphasized its belief in rewarding outstanding students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the educational system’s processes in Nigeria.