Former Anambra State Governor and current presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi, has welcomed public scrutiny of his academic certificates, saying he has no objection to the release of his university records for legitimate verification.
Obi made the position known in a statement following reports of legal action by an individual or group seeking Certified True Copies (CTCs) of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1984, alongside other records relating to his admission and studies.
He said he had no objection to the release of the records and urged UNN, within the limits permitted by law, to make his academic certificates and other official documents available upon legitimate request.
Obi also said he had no objection to other educational institutions he attended, both in Nigeria and abroad, releasing his academic records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
According to him, transparency and accountability are particularly important for individuals 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,” Obi said.
He said candidates seeking the highest political office in Nigeria should be prepared to undergo reasonable public scrutiny, adding that those seeking to lead must demonstrate through their words and actions that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve.
Obi further called on all presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
He argued that such disclosure should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild Nigerians’ trust in political leaders.
“Leadership must reflect the values we expect from the society we hope to build,” he said, stressing that transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions should begin with those seeking to lead the country.
Obi concluded by reiterating his willingness to subject his academic background to scrutiny, saying those who ask Nigerians for their trust must be prepared to earn it through openness and accountability.
