Abati Challenges Former Chicago State University Lecturer Over Tinubu’s Academic Records

Veteran journalist and Arise Television anchor, Reuben Abati, has questioned the credibility of claims by Dr. Pearse Adetokumbo, a former lecturer at Chicago State University, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu never attended the institution.

Abati challenged the allegation on Monday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, expressing reservations about the former lecturer’s basis for making such a categorical assertion about the academic history of the Nigerian president.

The controversy comes amid renewed political discussions surrounding Tinubu’s educational qualifications ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in which the president is seeking re-election.

Adetokumbo, who reportedly taught Linguistics and Literature at Chicago State University, had made the allegation during an appearance on News Central Television, where he claimed that Tinubu never attended the American institution.

He also suggested that the controversy surrounding the president’s academic qualifications could eventually be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

However, Abati questioned whether Adetokumbo’s professional background and period of service at the university gave him sufficient grounds to make claims about Tinubu’s academic records, particularly when the president’s alleged department was Accounting.

According to Abati, the former lecturer’s experience in Linguistics and Literature did not necessarily establish that he had direct knowledge of the university’s Accounting Department or the records of students who graduated from it.

“How does teaching English and Literature for five years at Chicago State University mean being a supervisor in Accounting?” Abati asked.

The journalist further argued that serving as a lecturer for five years at an institution did not automatically make an individual an authority on the academic records of every student who attended the university.

His comments appeared to challenge the assumption that Adetokumbo’s former employment at Chicago State University was sufficient evidence to establish the validity of his allegation against Tinubu.

Abati Questions Lecturer’s Knowledge of Accounting Department

Abati’s central argument focused on the distinction between teaching at a university and having direct access to, or knowledge of, the academic records of students in a different department.

He questioned how a lecturer whose area of specialisation was Linguistics and Literature could confidently determine whether a student enrolled in Accounting had attended or graduated from the institution.

The veteran journalist maintained that Adetokumbo’s teaching experience should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that he possessed comprehensive knowledge of the university’s academic records.

The issue has generated renewed debate about the importance of verifying allegations concerning public officials through credible institutional records rather than relying solely on individual claims.

While Adetokumbo presented himself as a former lecturer of the institution, Abati’s response raised questions about the scope of his professional knowledge and whether his former position gave him direct insight into Tinubu’s academic history.

Education Minister’s Claim Adds To Controversy

The latest controversy followed comments by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who recently stated that Tinubu graduated from Chicago State University with a first-class degree in Accounting.

The minister’s assertion has further intensified public interest in the president’s educational qualifications, particularly as political activities surrounding the 2027 general election begin to gather momentum.

Tinubu’s academic credentials have been a subject of political controversy over the years, with questions about his educational history repeatedly featuring in public debates and legal proceedings.

The latest allegations by Adetokumbo have consequently attracted attention, given the sensitivity of the issue and its potential political implications.

However, the competing claims underscore the importance of distinguishing between allegations, official statements and independently verifiable academic records.

ICC Claim Also Attracts Abati’s Criticism

Beyond questioning Adetokumbo’s assertion about Tinubu’s attendance at Chicago State University, Abati also criticised the former lecturer’s suggestion that the certificate controversy could end up before the International Criminal Court.

The journalist described Adetokumbo’s understanding of the ICC’s jurisdiction as questionable, expressing concern that the former lecturer appeared not to appreciate the nature and scope of the international court’s mandate.

The ICC is an international judicial institution established to prosecute individuals for specific international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, subject to its jurisdiction.

Its mandate is distinct from the ordinary adjudication of domestic electoral disputes or disagreements over academic qualifications.

Abati’s criticism therefore extended beyond the substance of the allegations to the legal implications of suggesting that the academic controversy could be taken before the international court.

Political Implications Ahead Of 2027

The renewed debate over Tinubu’s academic credentials is unfolding against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

As political parties and prospective candidates position themselves for the contest, issues surrounding the eligibility, qualifications and personal records of presidential aspirants are expected to remain significant subjects of public discussion.

The president’s supporters have consistently defended his qualifications, while critics have continued to question aspects of his academic history.

The latest exchange between Adetokumbo and Abati illustrates how the controversy remains a politically sensitive issue, capable of generating competing interpretations and claims.

Nevertheless, the credibility of allegations concerning a public official’s educational qualifications ultimately depends on the quality of the evidence supporting them.

For Abati, Adetokumbo’s previous employment at Chicago State University does not, by itself, establish that he possessed the knowledge necessary to determine Tinubu’s academic history.

The debate is therefore likely to continue as Nigerians scrutinise the claims and counterclaims surrounding the president’s educational qualifications ahead of the next presidential election.