Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu graduated with a first-class degree in accounting from Chicago State University, United States.
Alausa said he was familiar with the institution, having lived in Chicago for nearly 30 years, adding that he had personally interacted with several individuals who studied alongside the President.
The minister spoke on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television while responding to questions about Tinubu’s academic qualifications.
“I’m telling you hardcore facts. I lived in Chicago for almost 30 years. I’ve been to that university so many times,” he said.
Asked whether he had met any of Tinubu’s classmates, Alausa replied, “Oh, many, many, many, in person. Many. So forget the nonsense of…”
When asked specifically whether the President graduated with a first-class degree, the minister responded, “In accounting, of course.”
Alausa also described Tinubu as a genius, dismissing questions about his intellectual capacity.
“Oh, he’s a genius. Let’s not talk about the capability of this President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is literally a genius,” he said.
Defending the President’s performance, the education minister said Tinubu had moved Nigeria from a moribund state to an economy experiencing growth.
“Look at how he’s transformed a moribund country three years ago to a country that is growing,” Alausa said.
However, when the interviewer raised concerns about the country’s out-of-school children and poverty levels, the minister insisted that the discussion should focus on the administration’s achievements.
“Let me focus on what you’re saying. I don’t want you to derail this conversation. But this President has delivered this for Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu’s academic qualifications have remained a subject of public debate, particularly following the controversy over his Chicago State University records during the 2023 presidential election petition.
The issue resurfaced in August 2026 after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the display of personal particulars and academic credentials submitted by presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s Form EC9 listed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, awarded with honours on June 22, 1979.
The document also contained his National Youth Service Corps discharge details, showing that he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
However, the sections for his primary and secondary school qualifications were marked “0000”, while only his university qualification appeared in the educational history published by INEC.
The omission reignited questions about the President’s educational background, with politicians and public commentators expressing divergent opinions.
Chicago State University had previously confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated in 1979, with accounting as his major.
In September 2023, the university released his academic records following a legal request by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who sought the documents as part of his challenge to Tinubu’s election victory.
The university’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, also testified before a United States court, confirming that the President attended and graduated from the institution.
However, although the university’s records identify accounting as Tinubu’s major, they do not specify that he graduated with a first-class degree.
Similarly, a BBC fact-check published in October 2023 found no evidence that Tinubu forged the Chicago State University diploma he submitted to INEC.
