BREAKING: Federal High Court Orders Probe into Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo’s WAEC Certificate
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a formal probe into the academic qualifications of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following a legal application challenging the authenticity of his educational records.
The decision, obtained by PulseNets, stems from an ex-parte motion filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi, who sought judicial approval to verify the minister’s secondary school certificate, reportedly issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
In her ruling, Justice Binta Nyako granted leave for the investigation to proceed, holding that the application raised issues that warranted legal scrutiny. The court agreed that the claims of inconsistencies in the minister’s academic history justified an independent verification process in the public interest.
Owolemi had argued before the court that questions surrounding the WAEC certificate required clarification. He maintained that public office holders must be subject to transparent examination of their credentials.
However, the court declined a related request involving the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records.
In a separate ruling learnt by PulseNets, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik refused an application seeking access to Tunji-Ojo’s NYSC discharge certificate and other service-year documents. The judge held that the applicant failed to meet the legal threshold required to justify the order strictly on public interest grounds.
Through his lawyer, Philemon Yakubu (SAN), the activist had asked the court to compel the National Youth Service Corps to release detailed documentation, including monthly clearance reports, allowance payment logs, bank schedules, and records of the minister’s posting and deployment during the 2006 service year.
The request also covered internal memoranda, disciplinary records, and documents relating to an alleged abscondment from service.
After hearing arguments, Justice Abdulmalik dismissed the application, maintaining that the statutory conditions for granting such relief were not satisfied.
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Speaking after the ruling, Yakubu told PulseNets that he would consult with his client on the appropriate next step. He emphasised that the legal action was driven by the need to ensure transparency and accountability in public office.
With the court’s approval of the academic records probe, the investigation into Tunji-Ojo’s WAEC certificate is now set to proceed through established legal channels.
