The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu graduated with a first-class degree in accounting from Chicago State University in the United States.
Alausa made the claim during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday while responding to questions about the President’s academic qualifications.
The minister said he was familiar with the university, having lived in Chicago for almost 30 years, and claimed to have personally met several people who studied with Tinubu.
“I’m telling you hardcore facts. I lived in Chicago for almost 30 years. I’ve been to that university so many times,” he said.
When asked whether he had met Tinubu’s classmates, Alausa replied, “Oh, many, many, many, in person. Many. So forget the nonsense of…”
Asked specifically whether the President graduated with a first-class degree, the minister answered, “In accounting, of course.”
The education minister also described Tinubu as a genius, dismissing questions about the President’s intellectual ability.
“Oh, he’s a genius. Let’s not talk about the capability of this President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is literally a genius,” Alausa said.
He further defended Tinubu’s performance in office, claiming that the President had transformed Nigeria from a moribund country into a growing economy.
“Look at how he’s transformed a moribund country three years ago to a country that is growing,” the minister said.
However, when the interviewer raised concerns about the country’s out-of-school children and poverty levels, Alausa insisted that the discussion should focus on what he described as the President’s achievements.
“Let me focus on what you’re saying. I don’t want you to derail this conversation. But this President has delivered this for Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu’s academic qualifications have remained a subject of public debate, particularly following the controversy surrounding his Chicago State University records during the 2023 presidential election petition.
The issue resurfaced in August 2026 after the Independent National Electoral Commission began displaying the personal particulars and academic credentials submitted by presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alausa’s latest comments add to the ongoing public discussion surrounding the President’s educational background.
