A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alwan Hassan, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials.
He insisted that possessing educational qualifications is different from demonstrating competence or capacity in leadership.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV on Monday, Hassan argued that academic credentials should not be confused with an individual’s ability to perform effectively in public office.
“Credentials doesn’t mean capacity. I employ first-class graduates and still teach them the job. The president has shown evidence that he has a BSc from Chicago State University,” he said.
Hassan maintained that the President had provided evidence of earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Chicago State University, stressing that the debate over his academic qualifications should be distinguished from assessments of his performance in office.
He further explained that the Nigerian constitution emphasizes on the possession of a school certificate or its equivalent, insisting that leadership is not about qualifications.
“What the constitution says is that a school certificate or its equivalent, and the equivalent of a school certificate is the ability to read and write.
“One of the richest men in the world, was dropped out of Harvard, Bill Gates. It’s not about education. These guys (opposition) don’t have anything to hold this man (President Tinubu).” He explained.
His comments follows renewed public discussions over President Tinubu’s academic records and the broader issue of whether educational qualifications alone determine leadership effectiveness.
The APC stalwart contended that while academic achievements are important, competence, and the ability to deliver results remain the true measures of leadership.
