Growing Calls for Interior Minister's Dismissal Amid Certificate Controversy
Civil society activists have intensified pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo from his cabinet position. The protesters, who staged demonstrations in Abuja, described the minister's continued tenure as unacceptable given emerging allegations regarding his academic credentials.
Allegations of Certificate Irregularities Surface
The demonstrators specifically targeted Tunji-Ojo's National Youth Service Corps certificate, claiming it contains irregularities that raise serious questions about its authenticity. According to the protesters, the certificate presented during his ministerial screening by the Nigerian Senate may have been forged, rendering him unqualified for public office.
The activists drew parallels with previous ministerial resignations, urging Tunji-Ojo to follow the examples of former finance minister Kemi Adeosun and ex-minister of innovation Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, both of whom resigned amid certificate scandals. They characterized the Tinubu administration's apparent silence on the matter as evidence of tolerance for various forms of corruption within government circles.
NYSC's Official Response to Certificate Questions
Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corps has officially confirmed the authenticity of Tunji-Ojo's certificate, providing detailed clarification about its issuance timeline. According to NYSC records, the minister was initially mobilized for service in 2006 but absconded from the program, only resurfacing in 2018 for remobilization the following year.
The corps explained that Tunji-Ojo's certificate was omitted during the regular printing process in 2020 due to administrative oversight. His Certificate of National Service, numbered A004523631, was subsequently produced on February 28, 2023, following an application submitted through the FCT State Coordinator in October 2022.
WAEC Validation and Ongoing Public Scrutiny
In related developments, the West African Examinations Council has authenticated Tunji-Ojo's Senior School Certificate Examination results. The WAEC attestation document confirms he attended Staff Secondary School at the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Ondo State, bearing his full name, date of birth, photograph, and official authentication markings.
Despite these validations, public skepticism persists, with activists arguing that the timing discrepancies in certificate issuance warrant deeper investigation. The protesters maintain that Nigeria has numerous qualified citizens with impeccable credentials who could better serve in ministerial positions requiring integrity and transparency.
Broader Implications for Government Accountability
This controversy emerges against a backdrop of increasing public demand for accountability among political appointees. Several ministers and top government officials have faced similar allegations regarding forged academic or service certificates in recent years, leading to investigations, public outcry, and in some cases, resignations.
The demonstrators described Tunji-Ojo's continued presence in the cabinet as a disservice to national development, particularly for a ministry tasked with driving innovation and reform. They emphasized that leadership positions in critical ministries demand unquestionable credibility and adherence to ethical standards.
As pressure mounts on the Tinubu administration, this certificate controversy highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's political appointment processes and the persistent public demand for transparency in governance. The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders closely monitoring the government's response to these allegations against a sitting cabinet member.
