Another Embarrassment for Nigeria, Thank You

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces controversy for allegedly forging his university certificate from the Chicago State University. The news threatens to further jeopardize Nigeria’s already fragile global image and political credibility.

Written by Victoria Audu

Oct 6, 2023

Tinubu Faces Controversy over His Attendance at the Chicago State University. Officialasiwajubat / INSTAGRAM.

The 2023 general elections in Nigeria have been a whirlwind of debacle ranging from electoral fraud to violence. Even as the elections close out and Nigeria welcomes a new president in Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the complexities of the season have ceased to die down as former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has questioned the authenticity of the university certificate President Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

SO, THIS HAPPENED

On 02 October 2023, the Chicago State University in the United States released President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records to Atiku Abubakar. The documents shared include President Tinubu’s admission records, and a letter dated 27 June 2022 confirming that he attended the university from August 1977 to June 1979 when he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. This release follows controversy over Tinubu’s enrolment in the university as well as the authenticity of the certificate he presented to INEC prior to the 2023 general elections.

Since Tinubu was announced the winner of the election, his opponents, Atiku of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, have filed various petitions against his campaign which they presented to the Court of Appeal. His university controversy is the latest issue raised which Atiku plans to present to the Supreme Court after it was initially dismissed during the presidential tribunal. It is imperative to consider how such a scandal adds to the many global embarrassments Nigeria faces as a country that lacks integrity even to the presidential level.

BUT IT’S NOT THE FIRST

What does it say of a country if its president could forge his university certificate, and at least for some time, get away with it? Is it gullibility, carelessness, or purposeful ignorance from the electoral body?

The controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s educational credentials is not an isolated incident but rather symptomatic of deeper problems within Nigerian politics. It highlights the prevalence of false credentials among politicians, where embellishments and dishonesty about educational qualifications or work experiences are not uncommon.

We recall the notorious Toronto Saga of 1999 when former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari, admitted to falsifying his age and university certificate. Former president, Muhammadu Buhari also faced a similar controversy. Furthermore, forgery has either trickled down into the masses or is a testament to how corruption seems to also exist from young ages, maturing when put in major seats of power. In July 2023, 19-year-old Mmesoma Ejikeme was barred from seating for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examination for three years after she was found guilty of inflating her score from 249 to 362.

It is also not President Tinubu’s first certificate controversy. After receiving the documents from the Chicago State University, Atiku held a press conference where he paid homage to the late Gani Fawehinmi, who in 1999, sued Tinubu for lying under oath that he attended Government College Ibadan and Chicago State University. He said, ‘Now he can truly rest in peace in the assurance that what he started about 23 years ago has come to fruition. Gani’s vindication today gives credence to the saying that no matter how fast a lie runs, the truth will someday overtake it.’

Subscribe to our free newsletter.

What’s your e-mail?

You’re in — welcome to The Republic

Complete your onboarding

Read

Connect

Apps

More

Read

Connect

Apps

More

Another Embarrassment for Nigeria, Thank You

SO, THIS HAPPENED

BUT IT’S NOT THE FIRST

You’ve Reached Your Limit of Free Reading.

Ad-Free Reading Experience

Unlimited Access to Exclusive Archives

In-Depth Deep-dive Reporting

You’ve Reached Your Limit of Free Reading.

Ad-Free Reading Experience

Unlimited Access to Exclusive Archives

In-Depth Deep-dive Reporting

Victoria Audu

Comments

SHOP THE REPUBLIC

Related Stories

Kidnapped From the House of God

The Bombing That Changed Abuja Forever

What Endures in Borno Are the People

Surviving Boko Haram

Driving Through Life as a Fully Veiled Muslim Woman