Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained circumstances that led to his failure to produce certificates that he attended primary and secondary schools.
In an affidavit deposed and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by Tinubu, the APC candidate said he attended primary and secondary schools but the evidences had been stolen when his residence was targeted for raids during the military regime.
In the forms filled by Tinubu, he had
left the columns for his primary and secondary schools education blank and infilled.
He stated that he obtained a degree in Business and Administration in 1979.
He said: “I went on self-exile from October 1994 to October 1998.
“When I returned I discovered that all my property, including all the documents relating to my qualifications and my certificates in respect of paragraph three above, were looted by unknown persons.
“My house was a target of series of searches by various security agents from the time the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to adjourn following the military takeover of government of 17th November 1993.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu’s latest claims appear to contradict his previous election submissions, especially in 1999 and 2003, when he ran for office as a governorship candidate in Lagos State.
He claimed both times that he attended primary and secondary schools.
He said he attended St Paul Children’s Home School, Ibadan, Oyo State between 1958 and 1964, while his secondary education was at Government College, Ibadan, also in Oyo State between 1965 to 1968.
From Ibadan, Tinubu said he proceed to Richard Daley College, Chicago, from 1969 to 1971.
Finally, he said he attended both Chicago State University and the University of Chicago.
The Chicago State University confirmed Tinubu as its student, graduating with a degree in Business and Administration on June 22, 1979.
Tinubu comes under scrutiny of many asking for the authenticity of his claims .
Late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, had dragged Tinubu to court over what he argued were inconsistencies in his declaration after becoming the Governor of Lagos state in 1999.
