BRYMO'S TAKE

In a recent development, the deposition by Carl Westberg, the registrar of Chicago State University (CSU), has raised questions regarding the authenticity of the educational certificate submitted by a Nigerian politician, Bola Tinubu, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While Westberg’s testimony did not explicitly accuse Tinubu of forging his certificate, it did shed light on certain disparities.

CSU 0001: Sample of diploma issued in 1979 by the university which is slightly different from the replacement it says it issued to Tinubu 18 years later.

Westberg’s testimony revealed that the certificate presented to INEC by Tinubu differed from the certificates that CSU issued in 1979, the year of Tinubu’s graduation. Notably, discrepancies included variations in the graduation date (1979) and a different signature from the registrar at that time. These inconsistencies have led some to speculate about the possibility of certificate forgery.

CSU 0008: Sample of diploma issued in 1999 as released by CSU.

However, it is important to consider an alternative perspective. It is conceivable that the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC is not a forgery but rather a replacement certificate issued to him by CSU at a later date. CSU itself has stated that it does not possess a copy of the original certificate issued to Tinubu in 1979, making it challenging to definitively determine the authenticity of the submitted certificate.

CSU 0011: Sample of diploma issued in 2003 with a new crest.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not Tinubu forged his certificate is a matter for a court of law to decide. The deposition by the CSU registrar, Carl Westberg, is just one piece of evidence that may be taken into account during legal proceedings. It is essential to follow due process and allow the judicial system to assess the evidence and make a conclusive determination regarding this matter.

INEC: What Tinubu submitted to INEC in 2022.

In conclusion, the CSU registrar’s testimony has cast a spotlight on the authenticity of Bola Tinubu’s educational certificate. While some have drawn conclusions of forgery from the inconsistencies noted in the deposition, others point out the possibility of a replacement certificate issued by CSU. The final verdict on this matter rests with the courts, which will carefully evaluate all available evidence to reach a definitive conclusion.