The management of Innoson Automobile Company has said it has found it expedient to withdraw the N3 million scholarship it had earlier awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme after the confirmation of her manipulation of her UTME score by an independent Panel of inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government to clear the smoke of controversies her result had generated.
The reversal of the scholarship was made known in a statement by Mr Cornel Osigwe Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group on Saturday.
The statement reads in part: “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.
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“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, we engaged in direct dialogue with Miss Joy.
“Further to this, a committee set up by Gov. Charles Soludo, carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter,” it said.
The statement further indicated that the findings of the report were rather disappointing and regrettable as Ejikeme’s actions stood in direct contrasts to the values the company hold in high esteem.
“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.” it said.
The statement also recalls the disappointment the revelation must have caused among those who had stood by Miss Mmesoma 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,” the statement noted.
Mr Osigwe reiterates the commitment of Innonson to continue to support deserving students, drive investment in the education sector and promote the culture of excellence while upholding ethical standards .