The NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic records after a Labour Party member, Abayomi Arabambi instituted a legal action seeking Certified True Copies of his university certificates and other admission records.
Obi, in a statement on Tuesday on X, said he encourages UNN to do exactly that and also urged other aspirants, including President Bola Tinubu of the APC and ADC’s Atiku Abubakar to follow his footsteps.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” he said.
According to him, scrutiny would strengthen public confidence and promote accountability.
“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.
He said 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,” he said.
The former Anambra governor stated that he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the university in 1984, as well as other academic records relating to his admission and studies at the institution.
As at the time of filing this report, President Tinubu had yet to furnish INEC details of the primary and secondary schools he attended. He had also hired high profiile lawyers in the United States to block the release of his FBI files, which could reveal more details about him.
Conversely, Obi is eagerly asking UNN to release his academic records. “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” he said.
He called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request, 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.
The NDC flagbearer added that he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended, both within and outside Nigeria, releasing his academic records 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.
“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 stated.