Politics is often characterized by strategic battles, power plays, and relentless competition, where only the resilient thrive. Within Nigeria’s political arena, one recurring issue that has sparked intense public discourse is the legitimacy of politicians’ academic qualifications.
Over time, numerous high-profile Nigerian politicians have found themselves embroiled in controversies questioning the authenticity of their educational credentials, casting shadows over the political landscape.
In this article, PATRICK OFIKWU and HENRY TYOHEMBA explore notable Nigerian political figures who have been embroiled in certificate-related scandals.
Uche Nnaji
Certificate controversies have plagued several government officials, with the latest involving Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. An online news outlet accused him of submitting forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly during his ministerial confirmation process.
Allegations claimed that Nnaji did not complete his degree program and that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented was counterfeit. Nnaji, however, countered these claims by accusing Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of orchestrating the allegations for political gain.
Through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji described the accusations as a politically motivated attack by Governor Mbah, who is reportedly seeking to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where Nnaji holds significant influence. Ngwu asserted, “Mbah aims to sideline Nnaji to clear his path for re-election and APC membership.”
The minister’s camp insists that Nnaji is a legitimate alumnus of UNN, graduating in July 1985 with a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry, as documented in the university’s 1985 Convocation Brochure. They attributed discrepancies to the university administration, alleging that the vice-chancellor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is being used by Governor Mbah to damage Nnaji’s reputation.
Nnaji urged the university to uphold its principles by resisting political interference. Meanwhile, Governor Mbah denied any involvement in the smear campaign. UNN officials acknowledged Nnaji’s enrollment but stated he failed a course and did not retake the exam, thus not qualifying for graduation.
The presidency declared it would await the court’s verdict, scheduled for November 10, before taking action. Nnaji requested the release of his academic transcript to clear his name but resigned from his ministerial post on Monday. Despite his resignation, civil society groups and citizens continue to demand legal action against him for alleged forgery.
Kemi Adeosun
In 2018, former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun was embroiled in a scandal involving her NYSC certificate. She had previously submitted the certificate for clearance to serve as a commissioner in Ogun State in 2011 and later to the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2015 when appointed minister.
The controversy erupted after an online media outlet accused her of certificate forgery, prompting her resignation to preserve her integrity.
In her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Adeosun revealed she was born in the UK and only became familiar with Nigeria at age 34. Upon learning that an NYSC certificate or exemption was mandatory for graduates, she enlisted “trusted associates” to obtain an exemption letter due to her age, but was unknowingly given a fraudulent document.
She explained, “Based on advice and assistance from those I trusted, the NYSC was approached for documentary proof, and I received the certificate in question. Having never engaged with NYSC operations, I had no reason to doubt its authenticity.” Adeosun noted that she had presented the certificate during her 2011 clearance and again in 2015 for DSS and National Assembly approvals.
Dino Melaye
Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, faced a certificate scandal in 2017. Official records indicated he earned a B.A. in Geography from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. However, investigations revealed that ABU only offers a B.Sc. in Geography, not a B.A., as stated on Melaye’s transcript.
The controversy ignited when Sahara Reporters alleged Melaye did not graduate from ABU and accused him of bribing his department head to forge his transcript. Some Geography Department lecturers reportedly confirmed that Melaye’s name was absent from graduation lists due to failing five compulsory courses.
Melaye dismissed the allegations, challenging the media outlet to sue him if evidence existed, and boasted about pursuing his seventh degree at the same university. Subsequent findings revealed that a Daniel Jonah Melaye graduated from ABU with a third-class degree, not Dino Melaye. Additionally, discrepancies appeared across his NYSC discharge certificate, diploma from the University of Jos, and secondary school results, including misspellings and inconsistent names.
Ademola Adeleke
Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has also been the subject of academic qualification disputes. Two PDP members, Rasheed Olabayo and Oluwaseun Idowu, filed a lawsuit alleging he falsified his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and secondary school testimonial to secure the PDP governorship ticket in 2018, which led to a re-run election.
His 1988 testimonial referenced “Ede Muslim Grammar School, Osun State,” despite Osun State not existing at that time. Another testimonial from 2018 appeared to bear the same principal’s signature as the 1988 document, raising doubts.
Witnesses testified they never saw Adeleke sit for the exams. However, Justice David Oladimeji dismissed the case due to insufficient proof. New accusers later filed suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, but the Court of Appeal ultimately affirmed Adeleke’s educational qualifications, allowing him to contest and serve as governor.
Evans Enwerem
Supported by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Evans Enwerem became Senate President in 1999 but was removed after five months amid allegations of falsifying his name and age. Opponents, led by Chuba Okadigbo, challenged whether his name was “Evan” or “Evans,” accusing him of document tampering.
The controversy began after TELL Magazine reported discrepancies in his official papers. Enwerem claimed it was a typographical error, but the Senate proceeded to impeach him while he was accompanying President Obasanjo on a diplomatic trip, with Okadigbo succeeding him.
Salisu Buhari
Salisu Buhari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, faced forgery accusations after claiming to be 36 years old in 1999, despite being born in 1970. The 1999 Constitution requires a minimum age of 30 for House members.
He also asserted he graduated with a Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto, which the institution denied, stating he was never enrolled. Additionally, he was expelled from Ahmadu Bello University for falsifying credentials and was ineligible for NYSC participation.
In 2000, Buhari publicly admitted to forgery and perjury, apologizing tearfully to the nation and seeking forgiveness for his actions.
Stella Oduah
Princess Stella Oduah’s academic controversies surfaced in January 2014 during her tenure as Minister of Aviation. Investigations uncovered inconsistencies in her claims of foreign academic honors and discrepancies in her NYSC documentation.
The ensuing media storm led to her resignation and multiple investigations. In 2023, prosecutors moved to charge her over alleged misrepresentations, while a related legal episode involved a lawyer’s questionable NYSC claims that drew official criticism.
Adams Oshiomhole
Former Edo State Governor and APC national chairman Adams Oshiomhole has faced persistent allegations regarding the authenticity of his early educational documents. These disputes frequently emerged during election-related legal battles and were often revived by political opponents.
Notably, courts often dismissed these cases on procedural grounds, ruling that election tribunals were not the appropriate venues to adjudicate such matters, resulting in the cases being struck out without substantive examination of the documents.
Godwin Obaseki
Controversy surrounding former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki peaked during the 2020 APC primaries when a party screening panel flagged irregularities in his documents, particularly his NYSC certificate. The panel disqualified him from contesting under the APC.
His credentials variably listed the names Adams Aliu, Adams O. Aliu, and Adams Oshiomhole. The NYSC later investigated and issued a corrected certificate, and Obaseki’s camp claimed institutional verifications cleared him.
Judicial authorities and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) emphasized that eligibility and document authenticity are judicial matters, not unilateral party decisions. This dispute contributed to Obaseki’s defection to the PDP, under whose banner he won re-election. The NYSC’s public confirmation of the corrected certificate was pivotal in resolving the issue.
Ayo Fayose
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s certificate controversy spans multiple election cycles. Opponents accused him of submitting a forged Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate during his bid to return as governor.
The allegations were litigated through petitions and appeals challenging election results. In 2015, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal that included forgery claims, effectively upholding previous rulings that validated Fayose’s election.
Buhari, Tinubu, and Jonathan
Prominent Nigerian leaders such as President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and the late President Muhammadu Buhari have all faced certificate-related controversies, often fueled by political rivalry.
For instance, prior to the 2015 elections, Buhari was accused of not completing secondary school and lacking the required SSCE certificate to qualify for the presidency. Despite these allegations, many Nigerians, disillusioned with the then-ruling PDP, pledged support for Buhari regardless of his academic credentials, culminating in his electoral victory.
