Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Elections, Peter Obi, has come out to “clearly” state, he has “absolutely no objection to legitimate scrutiny” of his academic records.
The former Governor of Anambra State made the statement following reports “circulating” on social media as regards a “legal action” which seeks the CTCs of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, as well as, his academic records and credentials that relates to his admission into UNN.
In a post via X he titled ‘No Objection to Legitimate Scrutiny of My Certificates’, Obi made known, he has “respectfully requested” the UNN as permitted by the law, release his official documents relating to his “admission and studies” at the University.
Obi posted: “My attention has been drawn to reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy,
“awarded to me in 1984 by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as other academic records and credentials relating to my admission into the University.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.”
The former African Democratic Congress (ADC) member also made known his willingness to make available his academic records from other educational institutions, both in and out of Nigeria.
He said, he has a “strong” belief in “transparency and accountability”, especially for those who vie for public office.
Obi posted: “I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University.
“I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office. Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation.”
Obi said, he is available to be “reasonably scrutinized” as someone who is fighting for the Office of the President of Nigeria; and went ahead to encourage other Presidential candidates to release their academic records for “legitimate public scrutiny”.
The move will help bolster “public confidence” and “rebuild trust” Nigerians have in the people that seek to lead them.
He posted: “I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country.
“In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny. It is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them.”
Obi concluded: “I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability.”
