Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has thrown a punch at politicians who forge or exaggerate their academic qualifications to secure political appointments.
Reacting to a fresh certificate scandal involving Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, Sani advised political hopefuls to stick to the basics; their WAEC certificates.
“All you need to contest elections or for political appointment is a secondary school certificate,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
His comments come on the heels of a damning investigation by Premium Times, which uncovered that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned Nnaji’s Bachelor of Science degree. Court documents show the institution claimed the minister never completed his studies and was never issued a degree certificate.
According to documents filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the university stood firm: no graduation, no certificate.
Even the minister himself, in the same suit, admitted UNN never gave him a degree certificate. However, he approached the court to compel UNN to release his academic transcript, a request which the court granted.
Other demands; such as an injunction against the university and its officials were denied. The case has been adjourned to October 6 for further hearing.
Shehu Sani’s reaction isn’t just about Uche Nnaji. It’s part of a broader issue that has plagued Nigerian politics for decades; false claims about educational qualifications.
From Salisu Buhari’s Toronto certificate saga in 1999 to other controversies in more recent times, Nigeria has seen a troubling pattern of leaders faking academic credentials often without consequences.
Sani warned that such false claims only invite trouble.
“There is no way in the realm of politics one can claim any unearned qualifications without his or her political opponents digging into the matter. Some troubles are unnecessarily self-inflicted.”
His message is clear, you don’t need a university degree to run for office in Nigeria. The Constitution only requires a secondary school certificate or its equivalent.
