Mmesoma: Need For Value Reorientation

In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of instilling the right societal values such as honesty, truth, and hard work in our young ones cannot be overstated. These values form the bedrock of a morally upright and prosperous society. However, in Nigeria, the prevalence of examination malpractices poses a significant threat to the development of these values among the youth. The worsening situation calls for urgent efforts in national orientation.

The becomes more important at this point in time, with the recent case of a 19-year-old student from Anambra State, Mmesoma Joy Ejikeme, who has admitted forging her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores. Mmesoma had claimed that she scored 362 in the 2023 UTME, claiming the accolade of the best performer in the aptitude test. The examination body, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), however, dismissed her result as fake, accusing her of manually inflating her score from 249, which was her original score. The accusation by JAMB triggered reactions from the public.

But when Mmesoma was presented with incontrovertible evidence by JAMB, she admitted that her score, according to a text message she received from the Board, was 249 and not 362. In all, it was a display of dishonesty and lack of good moral upbringing.

Societal values serve as guiding principles that shape our behaviours, actions, and interactions with others. Honesty, truth, and hard work are fundamental values that cultivate integrity, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic. By instilling these values in our young ones, we equip them with the necessary tools to navigate challenges, make ethical decisions, and contribute positively to society.

Examination malpractices such as cheating, impersonation, leakages, and falsification of results have become pervasive in Nigeria’s educational system. This phenomenon not only undermines the integrity of the education system but also erodes the moral fibre of the nation. When individuals resort to dishonest means to achieve academic success, the values of honesty, truth, and hard work are compromised, leading to a breakdown in societal ethics.

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In this regard, we call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to live up to its mandate of promoting national integration, patriotism, and ethical values among citizens. It is imperative for the NOA to recognise the urgent need to combat examination malpractices and other forms of dishonest endeavours and play an active role in fostering societal values among the youth. The agency should leverage its resources, influence, and reach to create awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of exam malpractices and promoting positive values.

The NOA should design and implement robust public awareness campaigns targeting students, parents, teachers, and the general public. It should collaborate with educational institutions to integrate the teaching of ethics and values into the curriculum. This can be achieved through the development of age-appropriate materials, workshops, and seminars that promote the understanding and practice of societal values. By equipping students with strong moral principles, the NOA can help them make ethical choices and reject the allure of dishonest practices.

The NOA should actively engage communities, religious leaders, and civil society organisations in the fight against examination malpractices. By mobilising these stakeholders, the agency can create a collective sense of responsibility and ownership in nurturing societal values. Community-driven initiatives such as mentoring programmes, peer support groups, and anti-exam malpractice campaigns can create a supportive environment that encourages the adoption of positive values among the youth.

As a newspaper, we urge parents to always remember their crucial role in shaping the values and character development of their children. In the context of inculcating societal values and combating examination malpractices, parents have a weighty responsibility. They should embody the values they want to instill in their children. They should consistently demonstrate honesty, truthfulness, and a strong work ethic in their own lives. Children often learn by observing their parents’ behaviour, so it is essential for parents to be role models of integrity and hard work.

What is more, parents should engage in open and honest communication with their children about the importance of showcasing the right societal values. By having regular conversations, parents can clarify expectations, share personal experiences, and address any concerns or misconceptions their children may have. This dialogue helps children understand the significance of ethical behaviour and encourages them to make the right choices. In this way we would not be having a recurrence of the Mmesoma examination result forgery incident.