Chicago State University (CSU) has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu graduated from the institution in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Administration. This confirmation comes amid controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic record, with a lawsuit filed by Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, in the US to obtain Tinubu’s academic documents.
CSU, responding to the request for Tinubu’s academic records, stated that they are confident in the accuracy and integrity of their records regarding his graduation requirements and degree certificate. However, the university cited federal law, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student records and limits what information an institution can release. Therefore, CSU indicated that they cannot provide further information about Tinubu’s record without consent or a court order.
The university also clarified that it is not a party to the Nigerian legal proceedings that prompted the request for Tinubu’s academic records, and a U.S. federal judge will determine whether further requested information will be provided.
CSU emphasized that their response to the request aligns with their practices, policies, and federal law, and they would respond in the same manner to any request for student information by a third party.