Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora (UK) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order a probe into the academic credentials of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, warning that failure to act could trigger far-reaching international consequences for Nigeria.
In a statement issued and signed by its coordinator, Abanikanda Olumoro, the group said the controversy surrounding the minister’s academic claims had intensified following confirmation by London Metropolitan University that it received a Freedom of Information (FOI) petition seeking verification of Tunji-Ojo’s educational history.
According to the petition—filed on November 17, 2025, by Valen Legal Practitioners on behalf of Prince Emorioloye Owolemi of Ondo State—the university was asked to verify three key claims attributed to the minister: that he gained admission into the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) in 2002, graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2005, and later earned a Master’s degree from the institution in 2006.
The group said that given that the claims were repeatedly made by a serving cabinet member, the university had a duty under the UK FOI Act to confirm or deny the records, except where privacy exemptions apply.
Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora (UK) expressed worry that an adverse response from the UK institution could further stain Nigeria’s integrity on the global stage, especially at a time when the country is battling multiple negative perceptions abroad.
“It is alarming that at a critical moment when Nigeria is already classified by the United States as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ fresh controversies of this magnitude are emerging,” the group said.
“President Tinubu cannot afford to treat this matter with silence. The Minister must be instructed to submit himself for investigation.”
The group warned that unresolved allegations of forgery involving a high-ranking minister could feed international narratives portraying Nigeria as the world’s most corrupt nation.
It also pushed back against claims that Nigeria’s security crisis affects only Christians, noting that communities across the North, South West, and South East continue to face underreported attacks from bandits, terrorists, and separatist agitators.
“Whether or not Donald Trump’s assertions about Christian genocide are factual, the President should not wait for yet another international embarrassment before taking responsibility,” the statement added.
The organisation accused the Federal Government of enabling what it described as the “selective targeting” of Northern political, traditional, and religious leaders in corruption investigations, insisting that the pattern undermines the credibility of the anti-corruption war.
It therefore called on President Tinubu to act swiftly by directing Tunji-Ojo to step aside pending an independent probe, ordering the EFCC to suspend alleged selective investigations, and mandating a holistic audit of all federal fund releases from 2015 to date.
“The administration risks another diplomatic embarrassment if the Interior Minister is allowed to remain in office while these allegations remain unresolved,” the group said.
“The EFCC must also be restrained from politically motivated probes to restore public trust.”
The statement warned that Nigeria’s global reputation would suffer a major blow if urgent steps are not taken to address the controversy and strengthen public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
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