Chicago State University Locks X Account Amid Criticism Over Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy

Chicago State University has locked its X account amid criticism over Tinubu’s certificate controversy.

Glamtush reports that amid increasing pressure from Nigerians regarding President Bola Tinubu’s contentious certificate from Chicago State University, the institution has restricted access to its X microblogging account to the general public.

Displaying a padlock icon on the profile, on Tuesday morning ¹revealed that only individuals categorized as “confirmed followers” of the institution were able to view its tweets, in contrast to the previous accessibility.

A notification on the homepage explains that the institution has now restricted access to its X handle.

“These posts are protected. Only confirmed followers have access to @ChicagoState’s posts and complete profile. Tap the ‘Follow’ button to send a follow request.”

While the university didn’t provide an explanation for its decision, it appears to be a response to a stream of negative comments from Nigerians who accused it of supporting Tinubu.

Glamtush recalls that earlier in August, Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, sought court permission to obtain Tinubu’s CSU records. He believed these documents could clarify inconsistencies in Tinubu’s background, including records indicating a female student with the same name was admitted in the 1970s.

In response, Tinubu moved to prevent the release of his academic records, as it could impact the 2023 presidential election.

The university stated that a clerk was responsible for irregularities in the certificate reprinted in Tinubu’s name.

Amid this legal battle, Abubakar taunted Tinubu, questioning how he acquired a degree from Chicago University without attending primary and secondary school.
The university had previously verified that Tinubu did attend the institution.

In a brief email response, Beverly Poindexter, responsible for official transcript requests, enrollment, and degree verification at CSU’s Office of the Registrar, stated, “Mr Tinubu did attend our university, however, if further information is needed, go to studentclearinghouse.org website to make a formal request.”

In a previous communication dated August 20, 1999, and endorsed by the then Registrar, Lois Davis, the university affirmed Tinubu’s enrollment as a student from 1977 to 1979.

He penned, “Please be advised that Bola A. Tinubu did indeed attend Chicago State University from August 1977 through June 1979. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Administration with honours on June 22, 1979. His major was Accounting.”

Additionally, Tinubu’s form CF004, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission during his campaign for gubernatorial re-election in 2003, included an endorsement letter from CSU that acknowledged his accomplishments and “high scholastic achievement.”