Human rights lawyer calls Tinubu university certificate controversy a distraction ahead of 2027 election

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has publicly dismissed the latest controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials as a trivial diversion from the pressing matters of the upcoming 2027 general election. In a Facebook post on Monday, Adeyanju responded to renewed allegations made by former Chicago State University lecturer Adetokunbo Pearse, who claimed Tinubu never attended the university and labelled the president a “professional crook.”

Pearse, identified as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Lagos, told News Central on Sunday that he taught at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990 and directed the programme Tinubu allegedly enrolled in. He insisted he knew Tinubu never enrolled. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, countered Pearse’s statements on Tuesday, describing the controversy as “nonsense” and affirming Tinubu’s enrollment and graduation. Alausa, who lived in Chicago for nearly three decades, said he had met several individuals who studied alongside Tinubu.

Chicago State University itself confirmed in October 2023 that Tinubu attended and graduated in 1979, a position reiterated under oath by the university’s registrar, Caleb Westberg. Adeyanju highlighted that the narrative about Tinubu’s academic record resurfaces each election cycle and urged the opposition to focus on preventing alleged election rigging instead of re‑examining the certificate.

Background

The dispute over Tinubu’s academic background dates back to earlier election periods, with periodic claims that the president’s qualifications were fabricated. In 2023, Chicago State University officially verified Tinubu’s attendance and graduation, a statement later supported by its registrar in sworn testimony. The education ministry, led by Tunji Alausa, has consistently defended the university’s record, with Alausa emphasizing his personal connections to the Chicago community and his knowledge of Tinubu’s peers.

Adetokunbo Pearse’s recent interview revived the issue, positioning himself as a knowledgeable insider due to his former lecturing role at the university. Pearse’s accusations were reported by News Central and quickly prompted a response from the education minister and renewed commentary from legal observers such as Adeyanju.

Why it matters

The controversy is significant because it re‑emerges in the lead‑up to the 2027 general election, a period when political narratives can influence voter perception. Adeyanju argues that focusing on Tinubu’s certificate distracts from substantive concerns such as alleged election rigging, which he believes should be the opposition’s priority. The education minister’s dismissal of the claims as “nonsense” seeks to quell doubts about the president’s qualifications, aiming to maintain public confidence in the administration’s integrity.

Both sides cite factual references: the university’s 2023 confirmation and the registrar’s oath support Tinubu’s credentials, while Pearse’s personal testimony challenges the authenticity of those records. The debate underscores how academic credentials can become politicised tools in electoral contests.

What happens next

No further legal or parliamentary actions have been announced regarding the certificate dispute. The education ministry has not indicated any forthcoming investigations, and Chicago State University has not issued additional statements beyond its 2023 confirmation. As the 2027 election approaches, political parties are expected to concentrate on campaign strategies, with the opposition reportedly urged by Adeyanju to address alleged electoral malpractices rather than academic controversies.