By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — Immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, described as falsehood the story in a national newspaper that he was mentioned as one of the “prominent Nigerians with certificate scandals”.
Jonathan, who particularly drew his attention to the story as published in the Punch newspaper of Sunday, March 26, denied any probe, allegation or litigation relating to his very well known academic qualifications.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan advised media organisations to always cross-check their facts before publishing so as to avoid falling for the convenient choice of publishing false information.
“We really don’t know where this is coming from, but we wish to remain
unambiguous in our assertion that this is obvious falsehood, since the
former President has never been linked to any doubt, scandal or controversy concerning his academic qualifications.
“We are not aware of any probe, allegation or litigation relating to his very well known academic qualifications.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to restate that former President Jonathan’s educational records can easily be traced to St Michael’s Primary School, Oloibiri
and Mater Dei High School, lmiringi where he obtained his first school
leaving certificate (FSLC) and General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level respectively, as well as the University of Port Harcourt, where he received his Bachelor of Science, Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
“Luckily, many of former President Jonathan’s classmates from primary school through the university are still alive and are traceable.
“It is, therefore, obvious that there is no justification for this abstruse association, as there is nothing linking the former President to the story.
“Again, we advise media organisations to always cross-check their facts in order to avoid falling for the convenient choice of publishing false information,” the statement read.