A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Saturday, recommended counselling for embattled Anambra student, Ejikeme Mmesoma who was accused by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board of forging her 2023 UTME results.

Mmesoma, according to the reports of an independent panel of investigators set up by the Anambra state government confessed to forging her results unaided.

Earlier, Ezekwesili had blasted the examination Board for exposing Mmesoma. She also called for an independent investigation.

But in a statement posted via her Twitter account on Saturday, Ezekwesili said, “I have just read the report of the Committee set up by Anambra State Government to investigate and report their independent findings on the Mmesoma and JAMB saga.

“I am satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma a fair hearing to enable the Committee gather all facts.

“It was necessary to have independent evidence that the result Mmesoma laid claim to publicly was not only fake but that the forgery was personally orchestrated by her. There are usually syndicates at the center of perpetration of exam malpractices in Nigeria but it appears not to be so in Mmesoma’s case from the facts of the Committee’s report.

“Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I, therefore, support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.

“I also recommend sustained counseling for Mmesoma by the family, school and church to support her as she reflects on this tragic episode and makes a decision to embrace values and rewards of effort while eschewing dishonest gain for the rest of her life.”