- By Halimah Olamide
Ex-Education Minister Says Nigerian Leaders Need to Show Examples by First Bringing Out Their Credentials for Verifications in the face of glaring penchant for fraud by younger Nigerians
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Saturday called on Nigerian leaders to show their certificates as examples to younger ones over examination fraud. In her first reaction after the confession by Miss Joy Ejikeme Mmesomma, that she forged her JAMB result, the former minister said the situation presents another window of opportunity for Nigerian leaders to show they did not cheat in the course of their educational paths.
In a message titled, “MENACE OF EXAM MALPRACTICES,” the former minister said all politicians should submit their Primary, Secondary and University Results for public verification.
She wrote, “Children in primary and young ones in secondary school have sadly learnt from so called “political leaders” who have spent their lives gaining all manner of certificates dishonestly.
“This is a real window of opportunity for “leaders” to lead by example.”
Asking leaders to publish their certificates for public verification , the former Minister said “Nigerians are interested.”
The former minister had earlier, while reacting to the confession, said JAMB should impose appropriate sanctions on the 19 year old candidate.
“I have just read the report of the Committee set up by Anambra State Government to investigate and report their independent findings on the Mmesoma and JAMB Saga. I am satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma fair hearing to enable the Committee gather all facts.
“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 said there are syndicates at the center of perpetration of exam malpractices in Nigeria adding however that “it appears not to be so in Mmesoma’s case from the facts of the Committee’s report.”
She went further, “Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system. I also recommend sustained counseling 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. I wish to thank JAMB for their good work and encourage the Registrar and his team to continue with their critical service to our country and people as we all join them to sustain raising of awareness on Exam Integrity.”