Federal Court Orders Probe of Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo’s School Certificate, Rejects NYSC Inquiry

A court in Abuja has issued two separate rulings in applications filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi concerning the academic and service records of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

At the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako granted Owolemi permission to inquire into the minister’s Secondary School Certificate reportedly issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The application was brought ex-parte and sought leave to verify the authenticity of the certificate based on what the applicant described as discrepancies in the minister’s academic claims.

In a separate decision, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the same court declined a similar request relating to Tunji-Ojo’s National Youth Service Corps documentation.

Through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu (SAN), Owolemi had asked the court for an order of mandamus to compel the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to release information concerning the minister’s discharge certificate. The request, filed under the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal High Court civil procedure rules, also sought access to monthly clearance records, payment logs, posting and deployment documents, and internal correspondence related to an alleged abscondment during the minister’s 2006 service year.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the application did not establish that it was made in the public interest, a requirement for such relief under the law, and refused the request.

Speaking after the proceedings, Yakubu said he would consult his client on the next step. He added that the action was intended to promote transparency and accountability in public office.