Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday launched a fresh attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ridiculing the President over the absence of primary and secondary school qualifications in records published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Sowore, who appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial over alleged cyberbullying of President Tinubu, declared that the President still has enough time to enroll in adult education programmes or online schools to obtain the missing qualifications reflected in his official records.
The outspoken activist made the remarks while addressing journalists shortly after the court adjourned proceedings, turning what was expected to be a legal briefing into another blistering criticism of the President’s long-disputed academic history.
The comments come amid renewed scrutiny of Tinubu’s educational credentials following the publication of his nomination records by INEC, which reportedly do not contain details of his primary and secondary school certificates, reigniting a controversy that has trailed him for decades.
Drawing comparisons with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sowore argued that education has no age limit and insisted that returning to school should not be considered embarrassing for anyone, regardless of status.
“If I have to pursue a PhD, I will do it like Obasanjo. I will go to the National Open University of Nigeria and study from home,” he said.
He then turned his attention to Tinubu, saying the President still has the opportunity to correct what he described as glaring gaps in his academic profile.
“It is not too late for him to go back to school. He can register in an online primary school or secondary school. There are adult education opportunities everywhere. That section of his educational history can still be completed,” Sowore stated.
He also referenced Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying the governor returned to complete aspects of his education, arguing that Tinubu could do the same.
Sowore’s comments come as his own legal battle with the Federal Government continues. The activist is standing trial over allegations linked to his description of President Tinubu as “a criminal,” a case he has repeatedly described as politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The latest remarks are expected to further heighten political tensions, with the issue of Tinubu’s academic qualifications once again dominating public discourse as parties begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general election.
Also weighing in on the controversy, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Osa Director, questioned why the President’s primary and secondary school qualifications were absent from the published records.
“It is disappointing that we are still asking these questions. The President and his aides should explain why those certificates are not there. Nobody graduates from a university without first attending primary and secondary school,” he said.
Osa further expressed surprise that the nomination documents were accepted despite what he described as incomplete information, arguing that most online application systems reject submissions with mandatory fields left blank.
According to him, Nigerians deserve a clear explanation from the President regarding the omissions, particularly because the issue has persisted through several election cycles.
The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s educational history dates back to his governorship campaigns in Lagos State. In his 1999 and 2003 election filings, he listed specific primary and secondary schools he claimed to have attended. However, in later court affidavits, Tinubu explained that the certificates were unavailable because they were allegedly lost after his residence was looted during his exile under the military regime between 1994 and 1998.
Subsequent nomination documents submitted to INEC contained only his Bachelor of Science degree from Chicago State University, while the sections designated for primary and secondary education were left blank.
Political opponents and civil society organisations have repeatedly cited the inconsistencies as grounds for demanding greater transparency, while Tinubu’s supporters have maintained that the President satisfied the constitutional requirements for contesting elections.
With preparations for the 2027 general election already gathering momentum, the renewed debate over Tinubu’s academic records is expected to remain a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s increasingly heated political landscape, even as the Presidency has yet to issue a fresh response to Sowore’s latest remarks.