Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to make his academic records available following reports of a legal action seeking certified copies of his university credentials.
Obi said he had no objection to the release of his academic documents and urged the university to respond to any legitimate request in accordance with the law.
The presidential candidate made his position known in a statement posted on X on Tuesday amid discussions on social media over a request for Certified True Copies of his academic certificates and admission records.
Obi specifically stated that he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said he obtained from the University of Nigeria in 1984.
He also gave the institution the go-ahead to release other official documents connected to his admission and period of study, provided such disclosure complies with applicable laws and procedures.
“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.
He maintained that there was no reason for the university to withhold his records from a legitimate request that meets the required legal and administrative procedures.
The former governor said his position was not limited to UNN.
According to him, he would equally have no objection to educational institutions he attended in Nigeria or outside the country releasing his academic information where such requests are lawful.
Obi said public figures, particularly those seeking elected office, should be prepared to face reasonable scrutiny of their credentials and records.
He, however, stressed that such scrutiny should be conducted within the law and applied fairly to all political contenders.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, Obi said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his background and qualifications.
He argued that candidates seeking the confidence of Nigerians should be prepared to provide reasonable access to information that can help voters assess their suitability for 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.
Obi added that he was prepared to undergo the level of scrutiny that should ordinarily be expected of anyone seeking the highest political office in Nigeria.
Obi also called on other presidential aspirants to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public examination.
He said transparency over academic credentials should not be treated as an attack on political candidates but as part of the process of building public confidence.
“I encourage every presidential candidate to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny,” he said.
According to Obi, openness from political candidates could help improve accountability and restore citizens’ confidence in the country’s political leadership.
While supporting public scrutiny, Obi cautioned against selective or unlawful examination of candidates.
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He said the same standards should be applied consistently to everyone seeking to govern the country.
“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,” he said.
He added that leadership should demonstrate the values expected in the wider society, including integrity, openness, accountability and respect for institutions.
Obi said he remained committed to earning the trust of Nigerians through transparency as he prepares for the 2027 presidential contest.