Court Grants Request to Probe Academic Records of Minister Tunji‑Ojo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has permitted activist Emorioloye Owolemi to investigate the academic qualifications of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo.

Justice Binta Nyako granted the request while ruling on an ex‑parte application filed by Owolemi. The activist asked the court to allow him to examine the minister’s Secondary School Certificate allegedly issued by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

Owolemi argued that discrepancies exist in Tunji‑Ojo’s academic claims, making an inquiry necessary.

In a separate case, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the same court rejected Owolemi’s bid to probe Tunji‑Ojo’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

Through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu SAN, Owolemi sought an order of mandamus compelling the NYSC to release information on the minister’s 2006 service year.

He requested monthly clearance records, bank account details, allowance payment logs, and internal memos related to alleged absconding during service. He also asked for registration, posting, deployment, and disciplinary documents.

Justice Abdulmalik declined the application, ruling that the activist failed to show he was acting in the public interest as required by law.

Owolemi’s motions were filed under Order 34 of the Federal High Court Civil Rules 2019 and Sections 1, 20, and 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

The activist argued that transparency in public office requires scrutiny of official records, especially when discrepancies are alleged.

The court’s split rulings mean WAEC records may be examined, but NYSC documents remain protected unless a stronger public interest case is made.