However, the most distressing aspect for Ejikemes is JAMB’s recent assertion that Mmesoma’s result was fake, with plans to prosecute her. Mr Romanus, a musician and part-time commercial motorcycle operator in Nnewi, Anambra State, expressed his surprise in an interview regarding media reports stating that JAMB had recognised another candidate who scored 360 as the highest scorer in the 2023 UTME. He questioned how 360 could be considered higher than 362 in Mathematics.
“We were confused and embarrassed when we read in the media that my daughter, who scored 362 in UTME, is no longer the highest scorer. Instead, another candidate who scored 360 is allegedly recognised by JAMB as the highest scorer,” Mr Romanus said.
Adding insult to injury, JAMB accused his daughter of fabricating her UTME result. Mr Romanus vehemently denied these allegations, explaining that Mmesoma had followed the standard procedure of sending a message to the JAMB code to request her result, which JAMB promptly responded to, showing her score of 362. She even obtained a scratch card and printed out the notification of the result slip, clearly indicating her aggregated score.
“The result was seen by everybody, and we celebrated it. Journalists interviewed my daughter and published her achievement in the media. It was everywhere, even on Facebook,” Mr Romanus explained.
He expressed his frustration that JAMB did not refute the result earlier and instead waited over two months before declaring it fake. He questioned why JAMB would make such a declaration if there were no underlying reasons.
“This has traumatised my daughter, and she has been crying every day. The entire family is in agony. Some journalists have seen and spoken with my daughter. Does she sound like someone who is not intelligent?” Mr. Ejikeme asked.
He described his daughter as a diligent student who would stay awake studying while others slept. He emphasised Mmesoma’s intelligence and academic prowess, noting that she consistently secured the first position in every examination from nursery school to her current level in Anglican Girls’ Secondary School, Nnewi.
Even the Principal of Oba Girls’ Secondary School wished for her continued enrollment and offered to cover her daily transportation expenses from Nnewi to Oba, but they declined due to the inconvenience. Mmesoma frequently represented the school in external competitions, and they never wanted to lose such a talented student.
The family, along with others concerned about the situation, is demanding answers from the investigation panels assigned to the case. They are determined to uncover the truth and ensure that justice prevails.
“We need explanations from the examination body because we are confused,” Mmesoma’s father insisted.
Joy, meanwhile, expressed her sadness over the turn of events. She questioned why someone who scored 360 is being recognised as the highest scorer when she herself scored 362, raising doubts about a possible mistake in the assessment process.
“When the results were released, I followed the due process and printed out my result from the JAMB online portal. I have the evidence. I need some explanations. I’m very sad about this. I always work hard for my exams. JAMB should address this matter,” she pleaded.
The family hopes that their concerns will be heard and that a fair resolution will be reached, providing clarity and justice for their daughter and all those affected by the controversy surrounding the UTME’s highest scorer.
