Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026
LAGOS — The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC Mr. Peter Obi, has declared that he has no objection to the public release or legal scrutiny of his academic credentials, including his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Obi made the clarification in a statement issued following social media reports regarding a legal action filed by an individual seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his 1984 Philosophy degree certificate, admission records, and related academic transcripts.
Directly addressing the authority of his alma mater, Obi urged the institution and all other educational entities he attended globally to make his records accessible within the bounds of the 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,”
Obi stated. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor reiterated his commitment to transparency, emphasizing that individuals aspiring to lead Nigeria must submit themselves to public scrutiny.
He further challenged all presidential candidates to follow suit by voluntarily opening up their educational records to public inspection, framing the process as a trust-building exercise for the nation rather than an attack.
”In that same spirit, I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny. 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,” he added.
Questions surrounding academic records, certificate verification, and age declarations have historically formed a major battleground in Nigerian presidential politics.
The 2023 electoral cycle, in particular, witnessed heightened legal battles and public debates over the authenticity and disclosure of academic qualifications submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by major party contenders.
Obi’s intervention comes amid ongoing debates over public accountability, where legal actions demanding freedom of information regarding candidate credentials have frequently been brought before Nigerian courts.
By explicitly urging UNN to honor requests for his academic documents, Obi aims to draw a sharp contrast in how political figures respond to credential verification and institutional transparency.
