Mr Gaius Chibueze popularly known as Bitcoin Chief has insisted on sponsoring the education of Ms Ejikeme Joy Mmesoma despite her involvement in forging UTME score.
AbaCityBlog reports that Messoma has been in the news since the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) punctured her claim of being the highest scorer in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB had said she scored 249 in the examination as against the 362 which she claimed, but the candidate released a video where she stood her ground.
This had triggered a huge controversy. Amid the back and forth, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra set up a committee to investigate the issue.
But few days into the sitting of the eight-man panel of inquiry, Mmesoma appeared on a television programme where she backed down on her claim of scoring 362.
However, the panel set up by the Anambra State government indicted Mmesoma and asked her to tender an apology to JAMB.
Following the panel reports that indicted Mmesoma, a foremost Nigerian vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicles withdrew their Scholarship, which they initially offered to Ms Mmesoma.
This was contained in a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs
Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe.
“In line with these principles and 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 remains steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of our education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards. We have always been deeply committed to advancing educational excellence and upholding academic integrity through our scholarship program. We believe in rewarding exceptional students who display not just academic prowess but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that govern our educational system.
“We extend our appreciation to the public, JAMB, the Anambra State Governor’s committee, and all those who have shown understanding and support during this challenging situation. We remain committed to fostering educational excellence in Nigeria.
Reacting via his official Twitter page, Mr Chibueze said despite the findings by the Committee, the scholarship which he earlier announced to offer to Ms Mmesoma is still valid.
“I will still sponsor Mmesoma. Whether she agreed or not that’s not my problem,” Bitcoin Chief said.
He however, call for an end to all forms of illegality in Nigeria, starting from the elected officials.
“Suppose illegality was not celebrated openly like INEC swearing in a President who didn’t win the Elections, A president with a Forged Certificate and no trace of Primary to University Education, If Nigeria didn’t celebrate Elected officials who rig elections, etc. Young people won’t see a reason to forge certificates and be celebrated openly. While we address this, we must look at the entire society.
“If you want us to accept, celebrate and defend a President who rigged Election with Forged Certificate, we must also not destroy Little Girl’s future with a forged certificate.
“I will personally call her and explain to her that JAMB numbers don’t define how far she can go in life and next time she shouldn’t bother Forging one”, he tweeted.
DEAR ALL!
I will still sponsor Mmesoma. Whether she agreed or not that's not my problem. Suppose illegality was not celebrated openly like INEC swearing in a President who didn't win the Elections, A president with a Forged Certificate and no trace of Primary to University…
— Bitcoin Chief (AKA OMA JI EGO) (@gaiuschibueze) July 8, 2023
