Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, to release his academic records following reports of a legal move seeking certified copies of his degree certificate and other admission documents.
Obi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said he had no objection to the release of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, which he said he obtained from the university in 1984, as well as other official records relating to his admission and academic history.
His position comes amid reports circulating on social media of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his university certificate and other academic documents. Obi said he was willing to subject his educational background to legitimate scrutiny and had no reason to oppose the release of records where such disclosure is permitted by law.
He also extended the request to other institutions he attended in Nigeria and abroad, asking them to make his academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures.
Obi said transparency and accountability must remain central to the contest for public office, particularly the presidency. He, however, stressed that scrutiny of candidates should be lawful, fair and based on standards applied consistently to all presidential aspirants.
The former governor said he welcomed legitimate public interest in his qualifications, background and record, arguing that anyone seeking the nation’s highest political office must be prepared to face reasonable examination of their credentials and public record.
He also challenged other presidential hopefuls to demonstrate the same level of openness by making their educational qualifications and relevant records available for legitimate public scrutiny.
According to Obi, such transparency should be viewed not as an inconvenience or political attack, but as an essential part of building public confidence in those seeking political power.
With the 2027 presidential contest already taking shape, Obi maintained that leadership must be built on transparency, integrity, accountability and respect for institutions.
He said candidates seeking Nigerians’ trust must be prepared to demonstrate through their actions the same values they would be expected to uphold in government.
