Obi says his academic records should be released upon ‘legitimate request’

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to release his academic records upon “legitimate request”.

In a Tuesday post on X, the former governor of Anambra said he was ready to subject himself to any level of scrutiny expected of anyone seeking the highest political office in the land.

Abayomi Arabambi, a former national publicity secretary of the Labour Party (LP), had sued UNN, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) over their alleged refusal to release Obi’s credentials.

In three separate suits filed before a federal high court in Abuja, Arabambi alleged that Obi’s name varied across documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and educational authorities.

Arabambi said he had separately written to the three institutions to demand the release of Obi’s certificates, but his requests were denied.

Obi said he had no objection to the release of his academic records for public examination.

“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 wrote.

The former governor also directed other institutions he attended both within and outside Nigeria to release his records in “accordance with applicable laws and procedures”, noting that he believes in transparency and accountability, particularly for those seeking public office.

“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record,” he said.

“Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.”

Obi advised other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.

“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack, but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” Obi 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.”

TheCable