‘Show Us the Certificates’: Nigerians React as Tinubu’s Omission of Primary, Secondary School Qualifications on INEC Form Sparks Fresh Debate
The publication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal particulars by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ignited fresh controversy across Nigeria, with social media users questioning why the sections for primary and secondary school qualifications on his EC9 nomination form were left blank.
While Tinubu listed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Chicago State University, the omission of any primary and secondary school information has triggered widespread reactions, with many Nigerians accusing INEC of failing to demand complete educational records from all presidential candidates.
Below are some of the opinions that dominated social media following the publication:
“Show your primary and secondary certificates”
One X user, Aminu Maiwada, challenged the President directly:
“Mr President don’t play with Nigerians’ intelligence. Show your certificate for primary and secondary schools.”
“Everything about Tinubu is shrouded in secrecy”
Another user, Friday Okwudiri, questioned why controversies continue to trail Tinubu’s background.
“Why is everything concerning Tinubu’s life shrouded in secrecy? The DSS should be subpoenaed to produce Tinubu’s authentic biodata.”
“INEC embarrassed educated Nigerians”
Reacting to the omission, Monxy49 blamed the electoral umpire rather than the President.
“The audacity of INEC to publish Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials with primary and secondary schools missing and still certify him fit to run is a slap on every learned Nigerian.”
“The opposition must get to the root of this”
Another commenter, identified as Fash, urged opposition parties not to ignore the development.
“Now, the opposition should get to the roots of this matter. Enough is enough.”
“Did he attend school before they were established?”
Using sarcasm, Moganajoe wrote:
“That’s because he attended those primary and secondary schools before they were established.”
“Even lecturers won’t admit students without them”
Another user, Ebuka Emma, questioned the standards applied by INEC.
“I thought the INEC Chairman is a lecturer. Will he admit someone into a university without primary and secondary school certificates?”
“The issue keeps raising more questions”
Popular X user Ugowil revisited earlier controversies surrounding Tinubu’s educational records, arguing that the latest disclosure would only renew public scrutiny. His comments reflect allegations that have circulated publicly for years, although those allegations remain disputed and have not been conclusively established by a court.
Calls for transparency
Several users argued that the controversy is no longer just about Tinubu but about public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Many insisted that INEC should explain whether the omission complies with its nomination requirements and whether every candidate is subjected to the same verification standard.
Why the issue is trending
The debate intensified because INEC also published the credentials of other presidential candidates, including Peter Obi, whose nomination documents listed his primary, secondary and university qualifications.
The contrast has fueled online comparisons, with critics arguing that public office seekers should disclose their educational history completely to avoid unnecessary controversy, while Tinubu’s supporters maintain that the omission alone does not prove any legal wrongdoing.
As the 2027 election season gathers momentum, the controversy has once again placed both President Tinubu’s educational records and INEC’s verification process under intense public scrutiny.
