The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, August 1, published the personal particulars and academic credentials of presidential candidates for the January 16, 2027 election, with President Bola Tinubu leaving spaces for primary and secondary schools empty and declaring only his university qualification.
According to documents displayed nationwide by the electoral umpire, Tinubu’s EC9 nomination form shows he listed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, obtained in 1979 as his only educational qualification.
The president, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), attached copies of his B.Sc certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate as supporting documents.
In the form, Tinubu stated he was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, and listed his occupation as “politician.”
He also detailed his work history, noting he worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992, served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and is currently employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria since 2023.
He declared he has never been dismissed from public service.
In contrast however, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who listed as a “businessman” as his occupation and born November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State, provided full academic records.
He listed a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) obtained in 1954, West African School Certificate (WASC) obtained in 1961, and a Master of Arts (M.A) in International Relations obtained in 2020.
Atiku stated that he worked in the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) from 1969 to 1989 and served the country at the Presidential Villa from 1999 to 2007.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( ADC), Peter Obi, also provided a full educational record.
He stated he was born on July 19, 1961, in Onitsha, Anambra State, and attended St. Augustine’s Primary School, completing primary school in 1973.
He also listed Christ the King College(CKC), Onitsha, where he obtained his WASC in 1978, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984 with Second Class Honours, Lower Division.
Obi attached his NYSC certificate showing service from May 1985 to March 1986.
He described his occupation as “Public Servant” and left the section on previous work experience blank.
Obi also declared that he had never been dismissed from the public service.
INEC said the publication, which also covers Vice Presidential and National Assembly candidates, is to allow public scrutiny ahead of the final list.
