The credentials controversy trailing Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has escalated as the London Metropolitan University confirmed receiving a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking verification of his academic qualifications.
The request, submitted on November 17, 2025, by Valen Legal Practitioners on behalf of the Asiwaju Media Team leader, Prince Emorioloye Owolemi of Ondo State, was acknowledged by the University’s FOI office the same day, signalling the first formal step in an increasingly heated public debate.
In the petition, the legal team asked the University to verify three major claims attributed to the Minister:
• that he gained admission into the then University of North London in 2002 to study B.Eng;
• that he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; and
• that he obtained a Master’s degree from the institution in 2006.
Citing the UK Freedom of Information Act 2000, the solicitors argued that the matter falls under public interest, especially given Tunji-Ojo’s repeated public references to his academic history and the sensitivity of such claims for a serving public office holder.
They noted that UK institutions are obligated to release verifiable information except where privacy exemptions strictly apply.
The petitioners specifically requested confirmation of whether the Minister was admitted in 2002, whether a B.Eng graduation record exists for 2005, and whether a Master’s degree was awarded in 2006.
They also asked the University to state clearly if no such records exist, or issue a refusal notice in accordance with Section 17 of the FOIA should any information be withheld.
The development has triggered intense discourse across Nigeria’s social media space and political circles, as citizens—already familiar with a long history of credential scandals—closely monitor the unfolding situation.
Civil society groups say the matter goes beyond the Minister’s reputation, touching on transparency in governance and the credibility of Nigeria’s ministerial screening process.
Under UK law, London Metropolitan University has 20 working days to respond to the request.
The petitioners have indicated readiness to seek an internal review or escalate the matter to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if the response is withheld or deemed insufficient.
As the University begins its review, Nigerians await what many see as a decisive moment in the controversy—one that could either validate Tunji-Ojo’s academic claims or expose inconsistencies that may deepen public scrutiny.
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