Tinubu Never Attended Chicago State University, Former Lecturer Adetokumbo Claims

A former lecturer at Chicago State University, Dr Pearse Adetokumbo, has reignited controversy surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational background, claiming that the Nigerian leader never attended the American institution.

Former Chicago State University lecturer Pearse Adetokumbo claims Tinubu never attended the institution, reigniting controversy over his academic background.

Adetokumbo also accused the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, of misleading Nigerians by defending claims that Tinubu studied at the university.

The former lecturer made the allegations during an interview with News Central TV, where he disclosed that he worked at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990.

According to him, he served as the director of the academic programme Tinubu has reportedly claimed to have attended, insisting that his professional experience gave him knowledge of the institution’s academic records.

His comments have reopened discussions about the President’s educational qualifications, an issue that generated considerable controversy during the 2023 presidential election and subsequent legal proceedings.

Former Lecturer Challenges Tinubu’s Academic Background

During the interview, Adetokumbo maintained that Tinubu did not graduate from or attend Chicago State University, directly challenging the claims surrounding the President’s educational history.

He further alleged that the Education Minister was defending the President’s position despite knowing that the claims were questionable.

Adetokumbo also claimed that he had been involved in efforts to obtain information about Tinubu’s academic records around 1999, alleging that individuals seeking the documents were directed to him.

He said he provided the information at the time but advised those involved to concentrate on political campaigns rather than relying solely on controversies surrounding Tinubu’s educational background.

Explaining his involvement, the former lecturer said:

“I used to be a lecturer at Chicago State University. For five years. I was the director of the programme that Tinubu said he attended at Chicago State University. I was at Chicago State University from 1985 to 1990.”

He further claimed that he possessed information about the President’s academic records and insisted that Tinubu was aware of his knowledge of the matter.

Adetokumbo also questioned the educational institutions listed in documents allegedly submitted by Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during previous election cycles.

He accused the President of providing misleading information about his educational background, although these claims were not independently established in the interview.

Adetokumbo Warns of Possible Legal Consequences

Beyond questioning Tinubu’s academic history, Adetokumbo suggested that the controversy could attract further legal attention, potentially extending beyond Nigeria.

He argued that strong action was necessary to address what he described as serious misconduct within the country’s political and institutional structures.

The former lecturer also made controversial remarks involving Tinubu and INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, suggesting that the matter could have serious consequences for those he accused of wrongdoing.

However, his comments represent his personal allegations and should not be interpreted as evidence of any established criminal offence.

Former Lecturer Predicts Political Defeat for Tinubu in 2027

Adetokumbo’s criticism extended beyond the President’s educational qualifications to the performance of the Tinubu administration.

He expressed doubts about Tinubu’s chances of securing another presidential term in the 2027 general elections, arguing that Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the country’s economic and security conditions.

According to him, rising poverty, unemployment and insecurity could influence voters to seek a change in leadership.

He maintained that the administration had failed to address several challenges affecting ordinary Nigerians and predicted that voters would express their dissatisfaction through the ballot.

Adetokumbo also argued that political leaders should be held accountable for their performance rather than relying on political influence to retain power.

Tinubu Yet to Respond to Fresh Allegations

The latest allegations have added another dimension to the political discussions surrounding President Tinubu as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The President’s educational background previously became a major subject of public debate during the 2023 presidential election, particularly following legal challenges involving his academic qualifications.

However, the claims made by Adetokumbo during the News Central TV interview have not, by themselves, established that the President’s academic credentials are invalid.

As of the time of this report, President Tinubu has yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations.

The controversy is likely to attract further political attention as Nigerians continue to debate the administration’s performance and the issues expected to shape the 2027 general elections.