Abati faults ex-lecturer's claim Tinubu never attended Chicago State University
Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati on Monday challenged Dr. Pearse Adetokumbo's allegation that President Bola Tinubu did not attend Chicago State University. Adetokumbo, a former Linguistics and Literature lecturer at CSU, told News Central that Tinubu's certificate controversy could escalate to the International Criminal Court.
Abati questioned how teaching English for five years qualifies Adetokumbo to verify Accounting department records—Tinubu's actual discipline—and argued that a lecturer's tenure doesn't grant access to all graduate files. He also said Adetokumbo misunderstood ICC jurisdiction.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa previously stated Tinubu graduated with a first-class degree in Accounting. Tinubu is expected to seek re-election in 2027.
With the 2027 election approaching, certificate challenges resurface. Should voters weigh academic credential disputes against the administration's performance record, or do such qualifications remain a non-negotiable eligibility test?