Obi Urges UNN To Release His Academic Records

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Obi made the position known in a statement on Tuesday amid reports of a legal action seeking certified copies of his degree certificate and other educational documents.

He said he had given consent for UNN to release his academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies, provided the request complied with relevant laws and procedures.

The development followed reports circulating on social media about a legal action by an individual or group seeking certified copies of Obi’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other records connected to his education at the university.

Obi said he was willing to allow the university to make his academic certificates, records and other relevant documents available upon a legitimate request.

He also extended the same position to other institutions he had attended in Nigeria and abroad, saying they could release his records in accordance with applicable laws.

The NDC candidate said he believed that transparency and accountability were important, particularly for people seeking public office.

He, however, said scrutiny of political candidates should be conducted within the law and applied fairly to all individuals contesting the presidency.

Obi said he was prepared to face reasonable scrutiny of his background, qualifications and record as part of his bid to secure the confidence of Nigerians.

He maintained that presidential candidates should be willing to make relevant information about their qualifications available to the public and should not view legitimate checks on their credentials as an attack.

According to him, openness over academic qualifications can help strengthen public confidence and promote accountability among those seeking political leadership.

He therefore called on other presidential candidates to also make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public examination.

Obi said transparency, integrity and accountability should begin with individuals seeking to lead the country, adding that those asking Nigerians to trust them should also be willing to demonstrate openness about their backgrounds.

He reiterated his willingness to allow legitimate scrutiny of his academic history, saying candidates seeking the trust of Nigerians should be ready to provide information that can help the public assess their qualifications and suitability for office.