Innoson Automobile Company has taken the decision to withdraw the N3 million scholarship awarded to Ejikeme Mmesoma over her involvement in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) result manipulation.

The management of Innoson Group made this announcement through a statement signed by Cornel Osigwe, head of corporate communications, on Saturday in Onitsha.

According to him, the company had been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of the scholarship recipient, Ms Mmesoma.

It was reported initially that Ms Mmesoma claimed she had exceptionally high score in her UTME result, “a feat that led to her being awarded a scholarship by our company,” said the Innoson statement.

“However, subsequent reports of discrepancies in her UTME score led us to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to allow her to voice her stance

“Further to this, a committee set up by Gov. Charles Soludo carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter,” he said.

Mr Osigwe noted that the findings from the rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Ms Mmesoma 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 programme.

“In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme.

“This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition,” he said.

He acknowledged that the development was regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Ms Mmesoma.

He assured that Innoson Vehicles remained steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of the education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards.

(NAN)