Presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday declared he has no objection to the release of his academic certificates and records, including his 1984 Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, following reports of legal action seeking certified true copies of the documents.
In a statement, Obi said his attention had been drawn to reports circulating on social media about a legal move by an individual or group requesting the records relating to his admission and studies at the university.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
He requested that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, make the documents available upon legitimate request within the limits of the law, and said the same applied to other educational institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad.
“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,” the statement read.
Obi said that as a presidential candidate he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background and qualifications.
“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. 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,” he added.
He called on other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications available for public scrutiny, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen confidence and rebuild trust.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build. 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,” Obi stated.
He concluded by affirming his commitment to openness: “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.”
