In a statement released to CBS News, Chicago State University (CSU) has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu was indeed a student at the institution.
The university also verified that Tinubu graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1979.
The statement was issued to address inquiries about his educational background.
CSU highlighted the existence of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that safeguards student records’ confidentiality and restricts what institutions can disclose publicly.
According to the university, a request for Tinubu’s educational records was made to the U.S. federal court in August 2023.
“While we have confirmed that Tinubu attended CSU and completed his bachelor’s degree in 1979, federal law prohibits us from providing additional information unless authorized by consent or court order,” the school explained.
Chicago State University expressed confidence in the accuracy and integrity of Tinubu’s graduation records and degree certificate.
They clarified that they are not involved in the Nigerian legal proceedings prompting the request, and whether further information will be provided depends on the decision of a U.S. federal judge.
“Our response aligns with our established practices, policies, and federal law. We would handle any third-party request for student information in the same manner,” the university added.
