Innoson Vehicles has rescinded their N3 million scholarship to Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme after a panel investigation exposed her submitted Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result as fraudulent.
The incriminating findings disclosed by the Anambra inquiry committee on Friday revealed that Mmesoma acknowledged tweaking her scores.
Responding to the confirmed allegations on Saturday, Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Vehicles, reported the firm’s “difficult decision” to retract the merit-based aid.
“In recent days, we have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Joy 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,” the company said.
An independent committee initiated by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, investigated these allegations.
“The findings from this rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme did manipulate her UTME results. 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 in response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition.
“We acknowledge that this development is regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Joy including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters.
“However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents.”
Innoson Vehicles expressed dismay at the saddening development that has impacted those who supported Miss Joy, including her school principal and other supporters.
Despite this, the firm stressed the need to retain the integrity of its scholarship program and its represented values.
Concluding their comment, Innoson Vehicles reiterated its dedication to “supporting deserving students” and fortify the country’s education sector.
Prior to the recent development, the company had posited that the scholarship would be withdrawn if Mmesoma were found guilty of the accusation, while it would stand if she were innocent, regardless of whether she was the best candidate.