UTME score: Innoson withdraws N3m scholarship awarded to Mmesoma

Miss Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma and Innoson Motors Chairman, Innocent Chukwuma

The management of Innoson Vehicles has withdrawn the N3 million scholarship awarded to Mmesoma Ejikeme over her involvement in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result manipulation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

An eight-man panel of inquiry set up by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, had earlier affirmed that Mmesoma manipulated her 2023 UTME result from 249 to 362.

Osigwe noted: “We have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme.

“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 Governor Charles Soludo carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter.”

He stated that the findings from the rigorous investigation confirmed that Mmesoma manipulated her UTME result, adding: “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.

“In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme.

“This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.”

He stressed that Innoson Vehicles remained steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of the education sector, and upheld the highest ethical standards.

The Star

Segun Ojo