Peter Obi Welcomes Scrutiny of Academic Records, Urges UNN to Release Certificates

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that he has no objection to the public release of his academic records, following reports that a legal action has been filed seeking Certified True Copies of his university certificates and admission documents.

In a statement shared on his official social media platforms on Tuesday, Obi said he had become aware of reports circulating online regarding efforts to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1984, alongside other records relating to his admission and studies.

Rather than resisting the request, the former Anambra State governor said he welcomed the process and urged UNN to release the documents, provided it is done in accordance with the law.

“I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records,” Obi said, adding that he had also no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, making his academic records available through lawful procedures.

Calls for equal standards

Obi framed the issue as one of transparency rather than politics, arguing that anyone seeking the privilege of public office should be prepared for legitimate public scrutiny.

He maintained that public examination of a candidate's background, qualifications and records should be fair, lawful and applied consistently to every aspirant, regardless of political affiliation.

The statement comes as political parties begin positioning for the 2027 presidential election, with increased attention on the qualifications, integrity and public records of leading contenders. Questions surrounding academic credentials have featured prominently in previous Nigerian election cycles, often resulting in legal disputes and intense public debate.

A broader transparency challenge

Obi also challenged fellow presidential hopefuls to adopt the same standard of openness by making their educational qualifications and relevant records available whenever legitimate requests arise.

According to him, such disclosure should not be viewed as an attack but as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability and rebuild trust between leaders and citizens.

“Those who seek Nigerians' trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” he said.

The former governor concluded his statement by reiterating his longstanding campaign message, saying the values of transparency, integrity and respect for institutions must begin with those who aspire to lead the country.

As Nigeria's political landscape gradually shifts towards 2027, Obi's intervention adds fresh momentum to the conversation about public accountability. Whether the debate ultimately focuses on certificates or broader issues of governance, his call raises a wider question: should transparency become a uniform expectation for every candidate seeking the nation's highest office?