TINUBU'S CERTIFICATE SAGA: CSU'S DEPOSITION SHEDS LIGHT

The controversy surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's academic credentials from Chicago State University (CSU) has deep roots, tracing back to his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. Though initially the concerns had quieted down, they roared back into the spotlight following his recent presidential victory.

The heart of the renewed debate is the involvement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the runner-up in the presidential election. Driven by suspicions, Abubakar pursued a US court's intervention to access Tinubu's academic records from CSU.

In response to the pressure, CSU made a defining move: they released a deposition to set the records straight:

• Verification of Application: CSU officially confirmed that Tinubu applied to the university as a male. This fact was validated by CSU's Registrar, Caleb Westberg.
• Classmate Confirmation: Westberg also verified that Olajide Adeniji was Tinubu's classmate at CSU.
• No FBI Inquiry: The Registrar squashed rumours, stating that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had not contacted CSU regarding Tinubu's academic record.
• Emphasis on Transcripts: Westberg highlighted the significance of transcripts over diplomas in the US system. He confirmed that Tinubu's graduation acknowledgment was rooted in the transcripts available to CSU, not on the diploma, which is often viewed as merely ceremonial in the U.S.
• Absence of Personal Knowledge: The Registrar clarified that he never personally met or interacted with Tinubu.

Despite CSU's clarifications, critics point to discrepancies between the certificate from CSU and the one Tinubu presented to INEC. This inconsistency forms the crux of the opposition's argument.

Regarding the unfolding drama, Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise believes that legal technicalities may eventually favour Tinubu in the Supreme Court. However, he did concede that the outcome is unpredictable.

This deposition from CSU is a significant piece of the puzzle in the grand scheme of Nigerian politics. As the nation awaits further developments, the case underscores the importance of transparency in both the academic and political realms.