A letter by the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI) in response to an enquiry made by the then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri has surfaced online.
The three-paragraph letter dated 28th July 2011 and signed by Jenifer S. Deol Legal Attache, United States Consulate categorically state that “Bola Tinubu was not enrolled as a student this or any term at the referenced educational institution”.
Mr Tinubu’s educational background once again become an issue of public scrutiny when in a recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) form, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate avered that he didn’t attend primary, or secondary schools; while his Chicago State University certificate was stolen by unknown persons during persistent raids at his home by security officials during military rule.
The INEC documents released on Friday showed Mr Tinubu left the columns for his primary and secondary education unmarked. But he said he obtained a degree in Business and Administration in 1979, apparently referring to his previous claims of attending the Chicago State University.
“I went on self-exile from October 1994 to October 1998. When I returned I discovered that all my property, including all the documents relating to my qualifications and my certificates in respect of paragraph three above, were looted by unknown persons.
“My house was a target of a series of searches by various security agents from the time the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to adjourn following the military takeover of the government on 17th November 1993.
“I was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Banking and Finance. I was also a plaintiff in one of the two suits against the Interim National Government in 1993.
“I went on exile when it became clear to me that my life was in danger,” Mr Tinubu said in his claim to INEC.
The electoral law mandates candidates to submit their personal credentials that will be published for public scrutiny ahead of elections.