My column this week addresses the lessons we should learn from Mmesoma Ejikeme's UTME result fraud and the rush to defend her and vilify JAMB:

Twitter: @farooqkperogi

Over the last few days, I recoiled in horror and disgust as the fairly straightforward case of JAMB exam result fraud by 19-year-old Mmesoma Ejikeme of the Anglican Girls Secondary School in Nnewi, Anambra State, unwarrantedly intensified Nigeria’s preexisting primordial fractures, deepened a sense of persecution complex among a demographic group, and hardened phobias and hate on social media. It didn’t have to be that way. Here are three lessons from this saga.

One, evidence-free imputation of ulterior motives to the declarations of non-political, non-partisan institutions like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is always a slippery slope that will lead to both real-life and rhetorical wrecks. There was no logical reason to presume that JAMB as an institution had a vested interest in denying the genuine claims to a superlative performance by a poor, unknown candidate like Ejikeme.

If the West African Examination Council, for example, says a result that some nondescript person parades is fake or genuine, it’s best to assume that it probably is until we have firm, indisputable evidence to doubt the truth of its declaration.

A Facebook lawyer friend by the name of Dorcas Amina Miango (who goes by Ciroman Miango) captured this sentiment best. “If an institution says a document is not theirs, there is a presumption of authenticity in their favour until it is proven otherwise,” she wrote. “That is the law, it is simple. You can make moral arguments but that is not the law.”

The second lesson flows from the first, and it is that not everything is reducible to the politics of ethnicity and religion. It was starkly obvious that the ballyhoo over Miss Ejikeme’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result was refracted through the prism of ethnicity, religion, and partisan politics. Most of the people who threw logic, evidence, and caution to the wind in defense of an obvious fraud by Ejikeme did so because they share the same ethnicity, religion, and region with her.

The enduring divisions in the polity in the aftermath of the last presidential election also influenced how certain people approached the young lady’s exam result fraud. People who have been persuaded that a candidate with some political presence in only 16 of Nigeria’s 36 states (and almost zero presence in 20 votes-rich states) won a national electoral “mandate” that was “stolen” extended their delusions to Ejikeme’s fraudulent claim.

It didn’t matter that the actual best student whose feat JAMB had announced weeks ago shares the same state of origin as Ejikeme. Or that Ejikeme isn’t the only one whose false claim to superior performance in the UTME has been impeached by JAMB.

JAMB’s spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin told the gripping and audacious story of a candidate by the name of John Ifesinachi Chinedu, 19, from Enugu who, in 2021, also claimed to have scored 380 when he actually scored 265.

Like Ejikeme, he falsified his result, accused JAMB of altering it, and hired a well-heeled Enugu lawyer by the name Ikeazor Akaraiwe who demanded that JAMB set a fresh UTME for Chinedu and pay him 1 billion naira in restitutive damages. After JAMB unfurled unimpeachable, foolproof evidence against him, he collapsed like a pack of cards, confessed his fraud, and asked for forgiveness. He was handed over to the police.

Premium Times of July 5 reported other cases such as Kingsley Unekwe, 18, who, in 2019, altered his score from 201 to 269 but was outed by a JAMB investigative panel; an Adah Eche, 18, who fudged his UTME score of 153 to 290 and wrote to JAMB demanding it “correct” his score; a Cletus Kokowa who changed his score from 162 to 206 and later confessed to having paid N10,000 to a crime syndicate to help him electronically alter his score; and a Rejoice Mordi, 19, who changed her score from 164 to 264 and later confessed to getting help for her fraud from WhatsApp through someone identified as Iyanu Oluwa.

Had the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) not convincingly shown in a July 4 investigative piece how Ejikeme used a free Google Play app called “JambFun-Fake Jamb Result Maker” to simulate the UTME result she paraded as hers, the debate over her “innocence” and JAMB’s villainy would probably still have been raging.

Unfortunately, even after FIJ has shown how you can create a fake UTME result in a few minutes— and several hilariously fake UTME scores have proliferated on social media using the JambFun-Fake Jamb Result Maker” app former minister Oby Ezekwesili who stuck out her neck in defense of Ejikeme, tweeted on July 5 that “it should be clear to any reasonable person who cares about Exam Integrity in Nigeria, that more needs to be done to unearth how she obtained the 362-score result which @JAMBHQ disavowed. The Public needs to know these facts through an Independent Technology Investigation.”

An “Independent Technology Investigation” (whatever in the world that means) to find out how Ejikeme downloaded the “JambFun-Fake Jamb Result Maker” app on her phone to generate a fake UTME result? Ha! And this lady was an education minister! It’s true what they say: prejudice distorts what it sees, deceives when it talks, and destroys when it acts.

Ejikeme clearly only forged the UTME result because she wanted to deceive individuals and her state government into funding her university education. No investigation is needed to unearth that. We learned that after getting Innoson Automobile Company to award her a ₦3 million scholarship, she approached the Anambra State government to demand both a recognition of her “feat” and a scholarship.

This was a low-level fraud that had the blessing of her parents and later the witting and unwitting support of millions of people who share her primordial characteristics. It’s exactly why corruption will be difficult to stamp out in Nigeria.

The last lesson in this, for me, is to learn to never make judgements solely on the basis of surface impressions. A lot of people assumed the innocence of Ejikeme on the basis of her age and looks. Several people also presumed the guilt of JAMB on the basis of their preconceived prejudices about the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.

Oloyede is a professor of Islamic Studies whose first degree is Arabic. This fact became like a red rag to a bull for a lot of commentators. But the truth is that Professor Oloyede, by all accounts, is the most transformational registrar JAMB has ever had in its existence. Throughout his tenure as registrar, he has ensured that the conduct of UTME every subsequent year is invariably better than the preceding year.

I have never met the man. I am also always reluctant to vouch for people in public office because the intoxication of power and authority can cause people to change without notice. But most people who know the man attest to his unflinching commitment to fairness and justice for everyone irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or politics.

I have also been told that he is a compulsively methodical, organized, self-critical, and forward-looking person. That was why he had a successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin even though he is from Abeokuta in Ogun State—in a time when “outsiders” are not allowed to be VCs of even federal universities. His tenure saw the dramatic rise in the profile of the University of Ilorin.

He has brought that same spirit to JAMB. I am sure he has his foibles, like everyone else, but to judge him on the basis of what he studied and taught and ignore his record is both unfair and unproductive.

https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2023/07/3-lessons-from-ethnicization-of-jamb.html nlfpmod

“If an institution says a document is not theirs, there is a presumption of authenticity in their favour until it is proven otherwise. That is the law, it is simple. You can make moral arguments but that is not the law.”

This has always been my mindset before the true and clearer picture surfaced.

My previous opinions on this controversial issue. I acknowledge I was wrong. Hence apologised to the reading public. However, I am convinced I stood on the side of caution for the authenticity of the matter to be appropriately defined and actions taken.

Ejikeme clearly only forged the UTME result because she wanted to deceive individuals and her state government into funding her university education. No investigation is needed to unearth that. We learned that after getting Innoson Automobile Company to award her a ₦3 million scholarship, she approached the Anambra State government to demand both a recognition of her “feat” and a scholarship.

Now the ICPC, NPF, Anambra State government should see to it that Mmesoma is thoroughly prosecuted and punished accordingly. You do the crime you do the time. She has been exceptional from childhood. So there is no reason to falsify JAMB score to get unmerited favour.

The last lesson in this, for me, is to learn to never make judgements solely on the basis of surface impressions. A lot of people assumed the innocence of Ejikeme on the basis of her age and looks. Several people also presumed the guilt of JAMB on the basis of their preconceived prejudices about the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.

Nice write up from Farooq.

Racoon:
Now the ICPC, NPF, Anambra State government should see to it that Mmesoma is thoroughly prosecuted and punished accordingly. You do the crime you do the time. She has been exceptional from childhood. So there is no reason to falsify JAMB score to get unmerited favour.

Her previous results should even be probed.
I believe this attitude didn’t just start with this UTME for her to have that courage to confidently stand and challenge the JAMB on mainstream media on the forged result.

She was and has been a cheat, not just today.
At 19, she seems way older than many of her classmates and could have got ways to manipulate things to her favor throughout her primary and secondary schools

She got here by cheating and she thinks she can sustain it by cheating.

You can't substitute hard work for cheats. You will always get caught by Karmal.

Our political leaders aren't condemning Mmesoma because they are also cheats in the game. Even though the girl didn't try by cheating, the audacity to even defend it is what baffled me.

This one will also pass.

Next please!

Racoon:


https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2023/07/3-lessons-from-ethnicization-of-jamb.html

Racoon, Farouk kperougi advocate 😂😂😂🤣🤣

Amotolongbo:
Her previous results should even be probed.
I believe this attitude didn’t just start with this UTME for her to have that courage to confidently stand and challenge the JAMB on mainstream media on the forged result. She was and has been a cheat, not just today

I totally agree with you. There may be more to it than what that meet the eyes.

The last lesson in this, for me, is to learn to never make judgements solely on the basis of surface impressions.

A lot of people assumed the innocence of Ejikeme on the basis of her age and looks. Several people also presumed the guilt of JAMB on the basis of their preconceived prejudices about the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.

Words on marble.

Alakua, we too like petty gossiping for Nigeria.

Even those who cheated through tertiary level self dey shook mouth for this.

Hypocrisy stinks

That little girl has bad company of people around her. I want to believe that she was influenced into this. She is too young to start engaging in this manner of fraud.

When are they going to kickout Mbah of Enugu state for forging NYSC certificate?

Iykopee:
That little girl has bad company of people around her. I want to believe that she was influenced into this. She is too young to start engaging in this manner of fraud.

19 years, too young? Fake result that students use for fun, to intimidate their classmates or deceive their parents. Em reach her turn, she wan use am collect scholarship.

Racoon:
I totally agree with you. There may be more to it than what that meet the eyes.

I see the ethnic coloration you insinuated in your earlier comment. You're part of the problem.

Even me wey got 222 in 2015 wey I wrote jamb, naso I dey happy o, my dad self dey happy for me, so I don't know why this girl wey brilliant like this with 269 go still dey think about upgrading her results again

She's brilliant, hence she don't need all these shiii

Kudos to the anambra government and Governor for nipping ,bursting, tracing this falsification in the bud

That girl should be prosecuted; she's above 18 years. JAMB shouldn't let this slide.

Like most people said, she brilliant and doesn't have any reason to upgrade her results to whatever score


I pity her dad, its gonna be from one plea and begging to the other

In the meantime, Innoson and Anambra govt should reward Kamsiyochukwu, authentic highest scorer abeg make dem no cover her shine o

Those who intended to reward this fruad should be quick to do more for Kamsi, the true highest scorer


By the way, those guys giving Mmesoma Canada,UK and U.S scholarship... How market na?

Bloody advocates of crime

Racoon:
My previous opinions on this controversial issue. I acknowledge I was wrong. Hence apologised to the reading public. However, I am convinced I stood on the side of caution for the authenticity of the matter to be appropriately defined and actions taken.

u stood on d side of ethnicity n victim mentality n not caution

Amotolongbo:
Her previous results should even be probed.
I believe this attitude didn’t just start with this UTME for her to have that courage to confidently stand and challenge the JAMB on mainstream media on the forged result.

She was and has been a cheat, not just today.
At 19, she seems way older than many of her classmates and could have got ways to manipulate things to her favor throughout her primary and secondary schools

I share d same line of thought

Brilliant student that is still in secondary school at age 19?
It doesn’t even add up

Even we wey b average student don comot secondary school since 16

No b today d girl dey do am

These are some of the major reasons why crime and corruption grows in our society.we always paint almost everything in religion and ethnic coloration,we don't go for evidence and logics in finding out the truth in any matter,we are quick to play victim mentality and everyone hates me because of my tribe.politicians we accuse every day started like this, imagine a 19 years old girl already altering her results just to get undeserved and unmerited favor by so doing denieying the writeful owner.what a shame

jmoore:

19 years, too young? Fake result that students use for fun, to intimidate their classmates or deceive their parents. Em reach her turn, she wan use am collect scholarship.

We are sorry we apologize she probably learnt it from hanty Kemi

People who have been persuaded that a candidate with some political presence in only 16 of Nigeria’s 36 states (and almost zero presence in 20 votes-rich states) won a national electoral “mandate” that was “stolen” extended their delusions to Ejikeme’s fraudulent claim.

We know the zombies being referred to here.

Another disgrace for Oby Ezekwesili.

former minister Oby Ezekwesili who stuck out her neck in defense of Ejikeme, tweeted on July 5 that “it should be clear to any reasonable person who cares about Exam Integrity in Nigeria, that more needs to be done to unearth how she obtained the 362-score result which @JAMBHQ disavowed. The Public needs to know these facts through an Independent Technology Investigation.”

An “Independent Technology Investigation” (whatever in the world that means) to find out how Ejikeme downloaded the “JambFun-Fake Jamb Result Maker” app on her phone to generate a fake UTME result? Ha! And this lady was an education minister! It’s true what they say: prejudice distorts what it sees, deceives when it talks, and destroys when it acts.

Racoon:


https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2023/07/3-lessons-from-ethnicization-of-jamb.html

Inferiority complex is the problem with the igbos.

How could a group of people be so naive and clannish to the point of ethicizing national examination results?

Over to ndi victim

The most important lesson is the one below.

A lot of people want to go above and beyond for someone in show of tribal solidarity rather than in support of genius.

No Igboman has promised to send the actual genius Igbo girl abroad like they wanted to do for the fraud while it was a raging tribal battle in the media.

That is because it is of no symbolic victory to them.

Baba Pero" Kperogi. Let me cut cake and sip fanta to assimilate new letters.

Racoon:


https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2023/07/3-lessons-from-ethnicization-of-jamb.html

Jamb should be blamed for every controversy following this issue
After the revelation from the panel set up by Anambra government
It's now clear and no one is arguing about it again
Jamb should have waited for the investigation to be concluded
Nigerians today don't trust any government organization.
So you can't afford to blame anyone defending her.