Education Minister 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 answering questions about Tinubu’s educational background.
The minister said he lived in Chicago for nearly 30 years, visited the university several times and personally met many people who studied alongside the President.
“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 if he had met Tinubu’s classmates, Alausa replied, “Oh, many, many, many, in person. Many. So forget the nonsense of…”
He also confirmed that Tinubu graduated with a first-class degree in accounting, saying, “In accounting, of course.”
Alausa went further to describe the President as a genius and defended his performance in office.
“Oh, he’s a genius. Let’s not talk about the capability of this President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is literally a genius,” he said.
He also claimed Tinubu had moved Nigeria from a moribund country three years ago to a growing economy.
“Look at how he’s transformed a moribund country three years ago to a country that is growing,” Alausa said.
When the interviewer raised concerns about out-of-school children and poverty, the minister insisted on discussing Tinubu’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 records remain a subject of public debate following the controversy over his Chicago State University documents during the 2023 presidential election petition. The issue resurfaced in August 2026 after INEC began displaying candidates’ personal details and academic qualifications ahead of the 2027 elections.
