Peter Obi Permits UNN, His Other Old Schools To ‘Release My Academic Records’ To All Enquirers
Nigeria’s leading opposition figure, Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, has instructed his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to open up his academic records to all enquirers.
He also challenged other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
Obi granted unfettered permission to UNN to release his academic records in the wake of reports about a legal action seeking Certified True Copies of his university certificates and other admission records.
In a statement on Tuesday on X, Obi said he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which was awarded by the university in 1984.
He equally gave the same permission to all other schools he had attended in Nigeria and abroad, telling them to give out all academic records relating to his admission and studies at such institutions.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
He 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 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.
He said he believed in transparency and accountability, particularly for people seeking public office, but urged that scrutiny be conducted 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, said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record.
Obi said: “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.
“I encourage every Presidential Candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.”
He said 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 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,” Obi said.
