Mmesoma: Ezekwesili okays Anambra panel report, supports JAMB sanctions – Newstrends
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Mmesoma: Ezekwesili okays Anambra panel report, supports JAMB sanctions

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2 years ago

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Ezekwesili supports JAMB sanctions against Mmesoma

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, says she is satisfied with the findings of the Anambra State panel that investigated the controversy surrounding the result of Joy Mmesoma.

Mmesoma, a student of Anglican Girls Secondary School in Nnewi, Anambra State, had claimed to have scored 362 in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

But the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) alleged that she manipulated her result to “deceive the public to fraudulently obtain a scholarship and other recognitions”.

The examination body said she scored 249 — and not 362.

Thereafter, the Anambra State government set up a panel of inquiry to look into the matter.

The Anambra panel said Mmesoma admitted to forging her result.

Commenting on the incident, Ezekwesili she said, “It was necessary to have independent evidence that the result Mmesoma laid claim to publicly was not only fake but that the forgery was personally orchestrated by her.”

She posted this on Twitter on Saturday.

“There are usually syndicates at the centre of perpetration of exam malpractices in Nigeria but it appears not to be so in Mmesoma’s case from the facts of the Committee’s report,” she added.

Ezekwesili said Mmesoma’s action had consequences and that she supported the sanctions imposed by JAMB on her.

“I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system,” she said.

“I also recommend sustained counselling for Mmesoma by the family, school and church to support her as she reflects on this tragic episode and makes a decision to embrace values and rewards of effort while eschewing dishonest gain for the rest of her life.

“I do hope that the lessons of this case will help all our pupils, students, parents, guardians and the public at large renew a collective commitment to uphold exam integrity in Nigeria as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Values and Reward System for our children and youth.”

 

 

 

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JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

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8 hours ago

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April 26, 2025

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JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted four Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centres and arrested 27 impersonators during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by the Board’s Spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

He explained that the CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet the stringent technical standards required for the ongoing UTME.

Benjamin said the delisted centres include Adventure Associate, located behind Sheshe Supermarket off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State, and Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State.

Also delisted are Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal, and Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 1, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal.

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“While JAMB commends the 883 centres that have demonstrated exceptional performance, it unequivocally warns that any centre failing to meet ethical or technical standards, regardless of ownership, will be blacklisted,” he stated.

Benjamin urged candidates who were previously scheduled to take their exams at the delisted centres to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to access their new centres and rescheduled dates.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we will not tolerate excuses from candidates who fail to reprint their slips.

“As of Friday, April 25, 2025, more than 900,000 candidates had successfully completed the UTME, out of the 2,083,600 registered for the 2025 examination,” he added.

In a related development, Benjamin reported the arrest of 27 impersonators who were handed over to the Nigeria Police for immediate prosecution.

JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

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Education

NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months

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10 hours ago

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April 26, 2025

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NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months

Over 500, 000 students applied for loans in 11 months, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said.

The agency said that the figure indicates the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria.

The Director of Strategic Communications of the Agency, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi in a statement yesterday stated that the number of applicants highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND to democratise access to tertiary education.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reached a remarkable milestone in its first year of operation: over 500,000 Nigerian students have now applied for student loans through the NELFUND portal.

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“This milestone, achieved within just 11 months of operations, underscores the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria and highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND’s mission to democratize access to tertiary education.”

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr in the statement stated: “This is more than just a number, it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation”.

The agency also revealed that since the launch of the portal, students across the country have actively engaged with the application process for both institutional and upkeep loans, which demonstrate the relevance and urgency of the Fund’s efforts.

NELFUND, while stating its commitment to ensure transparency, accessibility, and efficiency as the process continues, called on all stakeholders to join in supporting the vision of equitable education for all.

 

NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months

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JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2025

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JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

Muslim students have vowed to take legal action against any harassment, threats, or unjust treatment directed at female candidates wearing hijabs at centres for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This comes in the wake of reports of hijab harassment and hijab seizures that have sparked widespread concern among Muslim students and religious organizations, following incidents that took place on Thursday.

Under the umbrella of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), the students issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, expressing deep dissatisfaction with reports of harassment at several UTME centres across Lagos, particularly Caleb University in Ikorodu, a Christian-owned institution, where hijabs were forcibly removed from candidates.

Abiona criticized the ongoing incidents, emphasizing that despite established guidelines allowing the wearing of hijabs, female Muslim candidates continue to face harassment and coercion at examination centres.

“It is distressing to report that incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs during the UTME persist,” said Abiona.

“Despite clear guidelines that allow hijabs, some female candidates are still subjected to undue harassment. These ongoing actions are a blatant violation of their rights and religious freedoms.”

He highlighted a particularly troubling incident that occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Caleb University in Ikorodu, where female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs to continue with their exams.

“This flagrant violation not only disrespects their religious beliefs but also goes against legal protections for religious freedom and equality.”

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Abiona called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take immediate action against the erring UTME centres, urging the board to demonstrate that it does not support the harassment of hijab-wearing candidates.

He demanded justice for the affected candidates, insisting they be given the chance to retake their exams without religious interference. “JAMB must act swiftly,” Abiona stated.

“We call for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed on any institution found guilty. The safety and dignity of all candidates must be safeguarded at all examination centres in Nigeria.”

“Moreover, we demand justice for the affected candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to retake their exams without any obstacles, ensuring fairness and equity in the educational system,” he added.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, reiterated its unwavering commitment to opposing discrimination and upholding the rights and dignity of students. The group called for an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity within educational environments.

The students also issued a stern warning that any institution found in violation would face legal action.

“We will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings against JAMB or any centre found harassing female Muslim candidates for wearing the hijab. This must end immediately, as wearing the hijab is both a legal right and a religious obligation.”

 

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity, Muslim students kick

 

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