Tinubu’s Aides Mishandling Certificate Controversy – Dalung

In a candid statement on Tuesday, the former Minister of Sports and Youth, Solomon Dalung, expressed his concerns about the handling of President Bola Tinubu’s certificate controversy. Dalung asserted that Tinubu’s aides were mishandling the situation, providing fodder for critics and exacerbating the issue.

Dalung made these remarks during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily breakfast program. He also shed light on his decision to share his own academic records on social media, a move many interpreted as a subtle reference to the ongoing controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s academic credentials.

The certificate controversy has persisted, primarily revolving around the release of Tinubu’s certificate by the Chicago State University (CSU), as mandated by a US court, to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a surprising move, the former minister took to social media last Saturday to share his 1990 West African Education Council (WAEC) certificate, Certificate of Call to the Bar, and his Bachelor of Law and Master of Laws certificates, all obtained from the University of Jos.

Dalung explained his motivation for this action, stating, “I voluntarily made my credentials available for public scrutiny. The reason behind this decision stems from the ongoing intense international and national brouhaha surrounding the issue of academic credentials in Nigeria. The President of Nigeria and his political allies are going from one court to another in America and Nigeria regarding their credentials. Now, what is going on has made everyone in Nigeria who owns a certificate a suspect.”

He continued, “I have also put my certificate out publicly. If anyone is not satisfied, they can also go to court to compel the University of Jos to release my transcript.”

Regarding President Tinubu’s certificate controversy, Dalung expressed his respect for the President but criticized the management of the issue by his handlers. He noted, “I don’t envy him with whatever he is going through with this certificate thing. I think it is being mismanaged by his handlers. Those who are creating more problems with this issue are his handlers. The more they talk, the more they introduce new issues that people capitalize on to add more burden on the President. This affects the President directly.”