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Breaking News: Flaws Discovered in BBC Report on Tinubu’s Certificate [See Details].
Breaking News: Flaws Discovered in BBC Report on Tinubu’s Certificate [See Details]
By Anthony Beauty
The recent BBC Africa report regarding President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials, which initially stated there was no evidence of forgery, has come under scrutiny.
POLITICS NIGERIA reported that the BBC’s article, titled ‘Bola Tinubu diploma: No evidence Nigeria’s president forged college record,’ created a buzz when published on Wednesday, sparking reactions nationwide.
In a new development, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has uncovered inaccuracies in the BBC’s report.
FIJ conducted a thorough fact-check of Tinubu’s academic background after Chicago State University (CSU) released his academic records to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in early October.
Upon analyzing the documents provided by CSU, FIJ found discrepancies in the replacement certificate that Tinubu submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 presidential election. This certificate lacked certain features found in CSU’s samples from the 1990s, including the year ‘1867’ and the signature position. The expression ‘with honors’ on Tinubu’s certificate, which was absent from CSU’s 1990s samples, raised further questions about its authenticity.
While the BBC had cited a fact-checking organization’s conclusion that Tinubu’s certificate was genuine, FIJ’s investigation contradicts this claim.
The BBC’s analysis relied on three Tinubu certificates:
The original certificate from 1979, which Tinubu claimed to have lost in the 1990s during his exile.
The second certificate submitted to INEC, purportedly a replacement diploma from CSU (similar to those issued in the 1990s).
Another replacement diploma from CSU, believed to be from the early 2000s, which Tinubu never collected.
FIJ clarified that Tinubu had only obtained a replacement certificate from CSU in the 1990s. They argued that the BBC’s assertion that the diploma’s appearance discrepancy was due to it being reissued in the 1990s did not hold water. Certificates from the 1990s, according to CSU’s records, did not include the ‘with honors’ distinction. Moreover, the BBC’s claim that CSU’s policy was to issue replacement certificates matching the current template, regardless of the graduation year, was undermined by the fact that Tinubu’s certificate bore the signature of the CSU’s current President, who took office in 2018, rendering it impossible for a certificate supposedly released in the 1990s.
In a deposition, Westberg admitted that Tinubu’s certificate submitted to INEC was not from CSU, further weakening the BBC’s report’s credibility.
This revelation raises significant questions about the authenticity of President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificate
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International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
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Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.