The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release all his academic records and certificates to individuals seeking to scrutinise the records.
Mr Obi, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, explained that the directive became necessary after his attention was drawn to report that an individual filed a lawsuit against UNN over release of his academic record.
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PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that a former spokesperson of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, sued UNN for allegedly refusing to release Certified True Copies (CTC) of Mr Obi’s academic records to him following his request in line with the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
‘Release my academic records now’
Reacting in his Facebook post, Mr Obi stressed that he has no objection to the release of his academic records to those who have legitimately requested for them.
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“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,” he said.
The NDC candidate maintained that he believes strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office.
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“Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation,” he said.
‘Scrutinise others too’
Mr Obi reiterated that he welcomes legitimate scrutiny of his background and qualifications, stressing that those who seek to become Nigeria’s president must be willing to show through both their words and actions that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.
“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 in those who seek to govern them,” he said.
“If we desire a Nigeria founded on transparency, integrity, accountability, and respect for institutions, those values must begin with those who seek to lead it.”
The suit
PREMIUM TIMES reported that in Mr Arabambi’s lawsuit, UNN was listed as 2nd defendant while its vice-chancellor was named 1st defendant.
Mr Obi graduated from the university in 1984.
Mr Arabambi claimed he had requested CTC of Mr Obi’s certificate number D000198, in respect of a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy issued in 1984, in line with FoI Act, but the institution refused his request.
The politician is seeking, among others, an order of mandamus compelling the respondents to perform their statutory duty under the FoI Act, 2011, by determining and responding to his request dated 16 July in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
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