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Don, CPN: she should serve full penalty
The Deputy National President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reduce the three-year examination ban the board placed on Mmesoma Ejikeme to one year.
This followed the 19-year-old candidate’s apology to the board in a letter dated, July 19, 2023.
In a telephone chat with The Nation, Ogunbanjo said the examination body should consider that Mmesoma still has a future, adding that banning her for this year alone should be enough punitive measure against her misconduct.
“Well, when you beat a child, you still try to bring her back. The examination body should understand that she still has a future. But to serve as a deterrent to others, she should miss this year’s admission.
“JAMB should temper justice with mercy and reduce her ban to a year. I don’t think anyone would try that (forging of result) again because this story was well publicised and JAMB’s website is well encrypted. So, no candidate would dare JAMB again, having seen what has happened to Mmesoma,” he said.
But the Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University (APU) in Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, said Mmesoma should serve the imposed three-year ban to serve as a deterrent to others.
The academic noted that it was necessary for the errant candidate to serve out the ban for the society to know that it is wrong to impugn on the integrity of others.
“I think the issue is clear. There was a crime; a forgery was committed, coupled with character assassination. It is good that the young lady has owned up to her crime when confronted with irrefutable evidence.
“But what is the implication for the society? Anyone can cast aspersion on others, stir unnecessary hostilities, then apologise and go scot-free. That isn’t ideal, fair or just.”
Also, Coordinator Child Protection Network (CPN) Lagos State chapter, Mrs Ronke Oyelakin, noted that every adult,like Mmesoma, should face the consequences of his/her actions to deter other people from doing the same.
She advised the candidate to see a psychologist for her to retrace her steps and be a better citizen.
“I like the fact that she has pleaded and regrets her actions, but how much damage she has done to herself and family. I insist she needs to see a psychologist and a psychotherapist. If she is ready and willing, she can be taken through sessions and can retrace her steps to be a better role model and a better citizen.
“Nigerians and JAMB may say they have forgiven her, but what lessons will she pick as she moves on in life not to repeat such behaviour ? Also, the younger generations are watching,” she said.
Peoplesmind
