Tension Mounts as London Metropolitan University Moves to Release Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s Academic Records Under UK FOI Act.
Tension Mounts as London Metropolitan University Moves to Release Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s Academic Records Under UK FOI Act.
Fresh controversy has erupted over the academic and NYSC credentials of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as London Metropolitan University begins processing a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking details of his academic history.
The request, submitted on 17 November 2025 by the legal representatives of the Asiwaju Media Team’s leader, was formally acknowledged by the UK institution under Section 10 of the UK Freedom of Information Act 2000, which mandates a response within 20 working days. According to the university’s online tracking portal, while the initial deadline is 12 December 2025, provisional release dates of 10 or 11 December have been indicated.
Academic Claims Under Scrutiny
The FOI application seeks official confirmation of Mr. Tunji-Ojo’s educational background, particularly the Bachelor’s degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering he has long claimed to possess from an institution he described as “North London Metropolitan University,” reportedly attended between 2002 and 2005.
However, records show that no institution existed under that name in 2002. The current London Metropolitan University was only established that year through the merger of the University of North London and London Guildhall University. This apparent discrepancy prompted the formal request for academic verification, with petitioners warning that unresolved inconsistencies could pose an “international reputational concern” for Nigeria.
Parallel FOI Dispute in Nigeria
Simultaneously, an FOI request was lodged with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on 17 November 2025, invoking Section 4 of the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act 2011, which requires a response within seven days.
More than a week later, NYSC has issued no official reply, a silence that has drawn criticism from constitutional lawyers and civil society groups who argue the corps is in breach of statutory obligations.
During a follow-up visit, an NYSC staff member was informally quoted as saying that Mr. Tunji-Ojo’s service records “could not be found,” though the agency has neither confirmed nor denied the claim. The Minister’s NYSC discharge certificate—submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening—has been a subject of long-standing debate, particularly because it suggests he underwent remobilisation in 2019 despite serving in the House of Representatives at the time.
Nationwide Debate and Growing Pressure
The unresolved discrepancies surrounding both academic and NYSC documents have intensified national debate. Nigerians across social media platforms are demanding greater transparency, while civil society coalitions and political groups in multiple states are reportedly preparing peaceful protests in December to press for official clarity.
Activists have also drawn the attention of the Presidency, urging the administration to avoid any perception of shielding a top government official from due process. They warn that such actions could further erode public trust in national institutions.
Contrast in Transparency Standards
Observers have commended London Metropolitan University for its strict adherence to FOI procedures, contrasting it with NYSC’s continued silence. Analysts argue that the disparity underscores long-standing weaknesses in Nigeria’s compliance with transparency and accountability laws.
As the country awaits the university’s much-anticipated release of documents, public attention is increasingly focused on what could become one of the most consequential credential verification controversies involving a serving minister in recent history.
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