The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s academic qualifications, insisting that he graduated with a first-class degree in accounting from Chicago State University (CSU), United States.

Alausa made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, where he dismissed questions surrounding the President’s educational background.

The minister, who said he lived in Chicago for almost 30 years, claimed to have met several people who attended the university alongside Tinubu.

“I’m telling you hardcore facts. I lived in Chicago for almost 30 years. I’ve been to that university so many times,” he said.

Asked if he had personally met Tinubu’s classmates, Alausa responded, “Oh, many, many, many, in person. Many. So forget the nonsense of…”

When asked whether the President graduated with a first-class degree, he replied, “In accounting, of course.”

Describing Tinubu as a genius, the minister added, “Oh, he’s a genius. Let’s not talk about the capability of this President. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is literally a genius.”

He also credited Tinubu with transforming Nigeria’s economy, saying, “Look at how he’s transformed a moribund country three years ago to a country that is growing.”

However, Tinubu’s academic qualifications have continued to generate controversy, particularly following the release of his Chicago State University records in 2023 during his election dispute with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Although the university confirmed that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated in 1979 with accounting as his major, its records did not specify that he obtained a first-class degree.