By Amah
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A civil society organisation, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has reignited the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group has formally urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the legal implications of the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted by the president during the 2023 presidential election.
In a letter dated June 19, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the group raised fresh concerns over the authenticity of documents allegedly used by Tinubu to secure qualification for the 2023 election and potentially for any future electoral contest.
The letter, signed by CFRPA’s Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu, called on the electoral commission to provide a definitive position on the matter ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that unresolved questions about candidates’ credentials could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The organisation alleged that discrepancies discovered in records released by Chicago State University during legal proceedings in the United States raised serious questions about the president’s educational history.
Among its claims, the group argued that Tinubu reportedly stated on university admission documents that he attended Government College, Lagos, between 1960 and 1970, despite the institution allegedly being established years later.
CFRPA also questioned the authenticity of certain educational and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents linked to the president, contending that INEC should clarify whether such allegations, if proven, would affect eligibility under relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The group cited Sections 137(1)(g) and 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which address disqualification from contesting the office of president where forged certificates are involved. It further referenced Section 285(14), which relates to pre-election matters and candidate eligibility.
According to the organisation, it has also written to the NYSC and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation seeking official responses with regard to the disputed documents.
CFRPA warned that it may institute legal proceedings if INEC fails to publicly state its position on the issues raised.
The controversy over Tinubu’s academic records dominated national discourse during and after the 2023 presidential election. The matter gained international attention when former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar sought access to Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University through a U.S. court process.
Following the release of certain records, opposition figures and critics raised questions about discrepancies in some documents.
However, Tinubu and his supporters have consistently maintained that he attended and graduated from Chicago State University, insisting that the allegations do not invalidate his academic qualifications.
Nigerian courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, ultimately upheld Tinubu’s election victory in 2023, dismissing challenges brought by opposition candidates.
The latest move by CFRPA is likely to revive political and legal debates over the president’s credentials as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
