Tinubu Graduated In 1979, Six Years Before Pearse Joined CSU – Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed claims by Professor Adetokunbo Pearse questioning whether President Bola Tinubu attended and graduated from Chicago State University (CSU), United States.

Presidential aide and Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, rejected the professor’s assertions, arguing that his period of employment at the institution did not coincide with Tinubu’s alleged period of study.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, Olusegun said Tinubu graduated from Chicago State University in 1979, six years before Pearse reportedly began teaching at the institution in 1985.

He questioned Pearse’s claim of having personal knowledge of the president’s academic records, noting that the professor worked at the university between 1985 and 1990.

Olusegun also challenged Pearse’s academic background, pointing out that he holds a PhD in Linguistics and previously taught English and Literature. He questioned how such qualifications would make him an authority on the university’s Accounting and Business Administration programme.

The presidential aide further argued that working at a university for five years does not automatically grant an individual access to its entire student database, maintaining that official verification of academic records must be obtained directly from the institution.

Olusegun also criticised Pearse’s suggestion that Tinubu could face imprisonment if found guilty of certificate-related allegations. He argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not handle ordinary academic certificate controversies and accused the professor of misunderstanding the jurisdiction of the court.

The controversy followed an earlier interview in which Pearse questioned Tinubu’s educational history and dismissed claims that the president studied at Chicago State University.

Pearse reportedly argued that documents submitted by Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) contained the names of institutions he claimed the president did not attend.

He maintained that his employment at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990, during which he said he directed the programme Tinubu allegedly attended, gave him personal knowledge of the institution’s academic records.

However, the Presidency has maintained that Pearse’s period at the university began years after Tinubu reportedly graduated, insisting that the institution itself remains the appropriate authority to verify its academic records.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the exchange has reignited public debate over President Tinubu’s educational qualifications and the controversy surrounding his Chicago State University records.