By Ahmed Musa | Asiwaju Media Team
Allegations concerning the academic and service records of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have intensified following the resurfacing of a controversial WAEC Attestation of Results allegedly linked to the 1999 SSCE.
At the centre of the controversy is a WAEC document bearing a date of birth of 1 May 1982, indicating the candidate would have been about 17 years old at the time of the examination. Critics, however, question the authenticity of the attached passport photograph, which appears to show a mature individual with full facial hair and features inconsistent, in their view, with the claimed age.
This has fuelled suspicions of possible identity substitution or post examination alteration.
Further concerns have been raised over the nature of the document itself. Observers note that attestations are typically issued years after examinations, often to replace lost certificates, prompting questions about when and how the document was produced.
Alleged irregularities in embossing, typography, alignment, and print consistency have also been cited, with claims that such features fall short of standard WAEC security practices. A private forensic observer reportedly described the document as exhibiting signs consistent with irregular production, though this assessment is not a judicial finding.
Beyond WAEC, questions have been raised about the minister’s NYSC history. Public commentary attributed to Barrister Usani alleges inconsistencies in claims of mobilisation while abroad in 2006, remobilisation in 2019 during legislative service, and the issuance of an NYSC certificate in 2023. Critics argue that these explanations, taken together, raise doubts about the existence of verifiable service records.
Political reactions have followed. An APC stakeholder, Engr. Atere, stated that the party has distanced itself from the matter, stressing that the controversy is personal to the minister and not endorsed by the party. He further alleged that some individuals defending the documents online do not represent the APC’s position.
Adding to the pressure, Dr. Oladoyin Odebowale, a former aide to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, publicly called on the minister to address the allegations. He warned that silence on such issues, especially from an official overseeing internal security and identity systems, could undermine public trust. Odebowale urged transparency, citing cultural values of accountability and historical precedents where officials stepped aside to clear their names.
Under Nigeria’s Constitution, public officers are accountable to the people, while also entitled to the presumption of innocence. Observers emphasize that only transparent, independent verification by WAEC and NYSC through official records and biodata can conclusively confirm or refute the claims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Minister of Interior has not issued a public response. All allegations remain subject to investigation, and the affected parties retain the right of reply.
