On Thursday, Chicago State University (CSU) confirmed that President Bola Tinubu studied at their establishment and successfully graduated in 1979, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Business and Administration.

CBS News reported the university’s official statement which emphasised their confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of their records pertaining to Tinubu’s graduation and the degree he received. The university, however, highlighted that American federal law restricts them from disclosing additional details about Tinubu’s academic record unless there’s explicit consent or a court order compelling them to do so.

The discussion surrounding Tinubu’s educational background was reignited when Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, sought clarity in a US court. Atiku approached a Chicago court, asking Judge Jeffrey Gilbert to mandate CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records and for the officials to give testimonies. The request has yet to receive a ruling. This came after an election tribunal previously dismissed Atiku’s case, to which he responded that the battle wasn’t over.

In the detailed statement issued by Chicago State University, as presented by CBS, they explained that they sometimes receive enquiries about student records. They highlighted the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which ensures the confidentiality of these records. In August 2023, the university was approached to furnish details about Tinubu’s academic journey. While they confirmed his enrolment and graduation, they reiterated that further disclosures are bound by federal law. The statement concluded that the university remains consistent in its approach to such requests, strictly adhering to established protocols and regulations.