The 2027 NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic records following reports of a legal action seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his university certificate and other admission documents.
Obi, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, said 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, or other records relating to his admission and studies at the institution.
His statement followed reports circulating on social media about a legal action by an individual or group seeking 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.
He urged UNN to make his academic certificates, records and other official documents available upon legitimate request and in accordance with applicable laws.
“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 said he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad releasing his academic records in line with relevant laws and procedures.
He said transparency and accountability were particularly important for people seeking public office, but stressed that scrutiny should be conducted fairly and within the law.
“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.
“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.
He also called on other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” Obi said.
According to him, such scrutiny should be seen 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 political leadership should reflect the values expected of the society Nigeria 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.
