The controversy surrounding the authenticity of former deputy governor’s son and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in the coming 2023 general elections, Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo over the validity of his university certificate has been officially confirmed, as the Lagos State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello noted that Gbolahan Ogunleye actually graduated with a degree in Economics after six years in the University.
Sahara Reporters and other news media have blown up the controversy surrounding his certificate on social media. However, Oriwu Sun went further to speak with the Vice Chancellor on the issue where she explained that the two letters emanated from LASU; the first one dated June 28, 2022 which claims that Gbolahan Ogunleye’s result can’t be found at the moment and that it is being looked into, and the second one dated 2000, which confirmed that Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo graduated from the university, Both letters were acknowledged.
Evidence obtained from the university and published herein shows a list of those who graduated from the University during Gbolahan’s set though; his name was conspicuously missing from the list, he was a member of that set.
When we asked the Vice Chancellor why his name not on that list, she narrated that there were probably issues during his set and Gbolahan could not participate in the convocation ceremony with his classmates, but that Gbolahan cleared the issues and was able to participate in convocation with subsequent set, few years later.
The VC set up a committee that confirmed that Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo graduated years later in 1999/2000 academic session with a degree in Economics with pass.
This recent development from the office of the registrar that found evidence of the notification of result sent to Mr. Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo, helped cleared unsubstantiated rumor by many that the school may have been influenced to cover up for the Gbolahan. The incumbent LASU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello said that her integrity and the name of the university are topmost priority, as she will never compromise for any political reason to taint their reputation.
“Academic certificates are sacrosanct, they are not documents to be issued arbitrarily.” Professor Ibiyemi said.
The notification of result issued by the then LASU Senate to him solved all the gossip and unverified views being carried by many in the society.
However, another question raised by many on social media, that people are beginning to ask is, why did Gbolahan filled in Ordinary Level certificate only in his INEC form when he knew that he has a degree certificate?
Some opinion leaders, who examined the situation, explained that Gbolahan Ogunleye might have done so for many personal reasons. Some explained that it appeared that Gbolahan was trying to save himself controversy regarding his degree certificate since he didn’t graduated with his set but with another set, years after.
“It is arguable that since his name was not on the convocation list with his initial set, it may stir reactions, because the 1999/2000 set he had his convocation with may not know him and would tell people he was never in their class. This would certainly raise eyebrows. The only unfortunate side of the story was that the controversy Mr. Gbolahan was trying to avoid when he filled his form, eventually came up,” said Ramson Acheme, the Oriwu Sun news editor.
Many graduates who commented, affirmed that not all classmates who gained admission in the same academic year ended up graduating together. It is a fact in higher institution that some classmates graduate years later after their initial classmates had done convocation, and this is due to the fact some had carryovers, others fell ill and missed some semesters and many other unforeseen issues could delay one from graduating on time.
Even at the National Assembly, there are federal lawmakers who filled in lesser academic certificates in spite the fact that they have higher degrees and diplomas. It is neither new nor uncommon for politicians not to mention all their academic qualifications.
As of now, it is on record that Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo attended the Lagos State University, Ojo, and graduated with a degree in Economics, though, not with his initial set.