Court Grants Activist Leave to Probe Tunji-Ojo’s WAEC Certificate, Rejects NYSC Inquiry Request

Court has granted activist leave to probe Tunji-Ojo’s WAEC Certificate but rejected NYSC inquiry request.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by activist Mr. Emorioloye Owolemi to inquire into the academic qualifications of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Justice Binta Nyako approved the request while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the activist. Owolemi had sought the court’s permission to investigate the authenticity of the Secondary School Certificate allegedly issued to the minister by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), citing alleged discrepancies in his academic claims.

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However, in a separate ruling on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the same court declined a similar application by the activist seeking to probe the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

Through his lead counsel, Mr. Philemon Yakubu (SAN), Owolemi had filed a motion ex-parte pursuant to Order 34 of the Federal High Court Civil Rules 2019 and Sections 1, 20 and 21 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The application sought an order of mandamus compelling the NYSC to provide detailed records relating to Tunji-Ojo’s 2006 service year.

The requested documents included monthly clearance records, financial details, allowance payment logs, bank schedules, and official NYSC documents concerning an alleged abscondment. The activist also sought internal memos, disciplinary reports, registration and deployment records tied to the minister’s service year.

Justice Abdulmalik, after hearing arguments, refused the application, holding that the applicant failed to demonstrate that he was acting in the public interest as required by law.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Yakubu said he would consult with his client to determine the next course of action. He added that the activist’s objective remains to promote transparency, accountability and probity in public office.