Peter Obi, the 2027 NDC presidential candidate, has called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his academic records public after reports emerged of a legal move seeking Certified True Copies of his university certificates and other admission documents.
In a statement posted Tuesday on X, Obi stated that he had no issue with the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he noted was conferred by the university in 1984, along with other academic records connected to his admission and studies there.
His statement came in response to reports spreading on social media about a legal action by an individual or group requesting CTCs of his degree certificate and other academic credentials.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
Obi called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his academic certificates, records, and other official documents available upon legitimate request and within the limits permitted by law.
“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,” he said.
Obi also stated that he had no issue with other educational institutions he attended, whether inside or outside Nigeria, releasing his academic records in line with applicable laws and procedures. ↻
He stated that he believes in transparency and accountability, especially for those seeking public office, but called for scrutiny to be carried out fairly and lawfully.
“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,” he said.
Obi, who is seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election, stated that he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications, and record.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. 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,” he said.
The former Anambra state governor also challenged other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” Obi said.
He mentioned that such scrutiny should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence and promote accountability rather than as an attack.
“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said.
Obi stated that the leadership should reflect the values expected of the society the country seeks to build, including transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions.
“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,” Obi said.
