Peter Obi asks UNN release his academic records amid legal challenge

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records, following reports of a legal action seeking certified copies of his university credentials.

Obi, in a statement posted on social media, said the legal action was reportedly aimed at obtaining Certified True Copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said was awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in 1984.

The request, according to Obi, also covers other academic records and documents relating to his admission and studies at the university.

He said he had no objection to UNN releasing the documents in response to legitimate requests and in accordance with applicable laws.

“I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said.

He also extended the position to other educational institutions he attended, saying they could make his academic records available where legally permitted and through the appropriate procedures.

Obi said transparency and accountability were particularly important for people seeking public office, stressing that those aspiring to lead the country should be prepared to face reasonable scrutiny of their qualifications and backgrounds.

“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.

He, however, stressed that public scrutiny should be conducted fairly, lawfully and consistently, rather than being used selectively against particular candidates.

Obi urged other presidential aspirants to adopt the same approach by making their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public examination.

He argued that such disclosure should not be viewed as an attack or inconvenience but as a means of strengthening public confidence in political leaders and rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Those who seek to lead must be willing to demonstrate, through both their words and actions, that they have nothing to conceal from the people they aspire to serve,” he said.

The former governor said the values of transparency, integrity and accountability expected in Nigerian society should begin with those seeking political leadership.

He maintained that candidates asking Nigerians to entrust them with the country’s leadership must be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability.

“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” Obi said.