Ex-CSU Lecturer Reopens Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy, Says President Never Attended University

Ex-CSU Lecturer Reopens Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy, Says President Never Attended University

A fresh controversy has emerged over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational background after a former lecturer at Chicago State University (CSU), Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, claimed that the Nigerian leader never attended the American institution.

Pearse made the allegation during an interview on News Central Television on Sunday, November 8, 2026, insisting that he had personal knowledge of the university’s academic programme and Tinubu’s alleged attendance.

The former lecturer, who said he worked at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990, claimed he was the director of the programme Tinubu reportedly attended.

According to him, he was familiar with the institution’s records and maintained that the President never enrolled there.

“The fact of the matter is, I know he never attended Chicago State University. He knows that I know. So the man (Mr Tinubu) has no integrity,” Pearse said.

He also questioned the educational institutions Tinubu listed in documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that the President had identified schools he allegedly never attended.

Pearse further claimed that he was approached in 1999 by individuals seeking information about Tinubu’s academic records when the late Funsho Williams was reportedly making inquiries into the matter.

The allegation has reopened public debate over Tinubu’s educational qualifications, which generated considerable controversy during the 2023 presidential election and subsequent legal proceedings.

However, Pearse’s assertion contradicts Chicago State University’s official position. In September 2023, the institution confirmed that Tinubu attended the university and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree.

The university subsequently released academic records following legal proceedings initiated in the United States by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The records indicated that Tinubu attended the institution between August 1977 and June 1979 and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Although questions were raised during the legal proceedings about the authenticity of the particular diploma submitted to INEC, Chicago State University maintained that its records confirmed Tinubu’s attendance and graduation.

Pearse’s latest comments therefore introduce a fresh personal challenge to the university’s previously stated position, although his assertion does not, on its own, invalidate the institution’s official records.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations, according to reports on the interview.

The renewed controversy is likely to attract further political attention as Nigerians continue to debate questions surrounding transparency, public accountability and the President’s educational background.

 

Ex-CSU Lecturer Reopens Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy, Says President Never Attended University