Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records following legal proceedings seeking access to his university credentials.
Obi 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.
His statement came after reports of a suit by Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi seeking access to certified true copies of Obi’s academic records. Arabambi has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the university to respond to his request under the Freedom of Information Act.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.
He called on the University of Nigeria to make his certificates, academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies available upon legitimate request and within the limits of the 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 also said other educational institutions he attended, both in Nigeria and abroad, should release his records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
The former Anambra state governor said transparency and accountability were particularly important for those seeking public office, but argued that scrutiny should be conducted fairly and lawfully.
“I believe strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for those who seek the privilege of public office,” he said. “Public scrutiny must, however, be fair, lawful, and applied consistently to everyone who seeks to lead our nation.”
The controversy follows a lawsuit filed by Arabambi over a request for a certified true copy of a certificate identified in court documents as certificate number D000198, said to relate to Obi’s 1984 Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. Arabambi alleges that the university did not respond to his request made under the Freedom of Information Act.
Obi said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background, qualifications and record as he seeks the presidency in 2027.
“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.
He added that he was prepared to face the scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the country’s highest elected office.
Obi also urged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
He said such disclosure should be seen not as an attack or inconvenience but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence and accountability.
“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.
The NDC candidate said the principles expected of political leaders should include transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for public 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.
