Federal High Court orders investigation into academic certificates of Nigerian government officials
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered an investigation into the academic qualification of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior under President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Binta Nyako granted an application filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi, who questioned the authenticity of the minister’s Secondary School Certificate allegedly issued by the West African Examinations Council.
The application, presented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Philemon Yakubu, was brought before the court through a motion filed under the Federal High Court Civil Rules. The request relied on provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, asking for permission to investigate the certificate records.
However, in a related matter, another Federal High Court presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik refused a separate application that sought to probe the legality of Tunji-Ojo’s National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
ICPC Opens Fresh Investigation Into Uche Nnaji
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has launched an investigation into alleged certificate forgery involving Uche Nnaji, a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology under President Tinubu.
Sources disclosed that the ICPC has formally written to the George Akume, requesting documents Nnaji submitted during his ministerial screening.
The commission has also reportedly contacted the Nigerian Senate to obtain the same records. Investigators say prosecution may follow if evidence of forgery is established.
Although it is yet to be officially confirmed whether the ICPC has contacted the NYSC, indications suggest that discussions are ongoing between the agencies.
UNN Records Raise New Questions
The Registrar of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Celine Nnebedum, has appeared before ICPC investigators to clarify the institution’s records.
In 2024, she reportedly told a media organisation that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985. However, she later reversed that position while responding to the Public Complaints Commission, stating that his name did not appear in graduation records for that year.
Tunji-Ojo Responds to Recruitment Complaints
Separately, Tunji-Ojo recently addressed nationwide complaints over technical problems affecting the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) recruitment portal.
In a social media update, the minister directed that all technical issues preventing applicants from checking their recruitment status be resolved immediately.
