Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
The governorship ambition of Yakubu Adamu, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Bauchi State in the 2027 election, has come under scrutiny following an investigation into his claimed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualification from the International University of Bamenda (IUB), Cameroon.
The controversy centres on allegations that the university from which Adamu claimed to have obtained his doctorate in 2020 was not authorised by Cameroonian authorities to award PhD degrees. The findings have raised questions about the validity of the academic credential he has publicly presented over the years.
Adamu, a former commissioner in the Bauchi State Government, has frequently used the title “Dr” and identified himself as a holder of a PhD from the International University of Bamenda. According to reports, he relied on the qualification during his public career and political engagements.
An investigation by WikkiTimes reported that Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education records showed that private universities in the country were not authorised to run doctoral programmes, raising questions over how the institution could have issued the qualification claimed by the politician.
The investigation further reported that the approvals granted to the International University of Bamenda allowed the institution to operate but did not include authority to award doctorate-level degrees. The university was established in Cameroon as a private higher institution, but questions remain over the scope of its academic accreditation.
The report also examined the circumstances surrounding Adamu’s doctoral thesis, including the identity of his listed supervisor and examiner. It stated that the person named as his supervisor appeared in university records in another capacity, raising additional questions about the process through which the degree was obtained.
Further concerns were raised after the investigation examined claims of international partnerships cited by supporters of the candidate as evidence of the university’s credibility. Some institutions mentioned as partners reportedly denied having recognised relationships with the International University of Bamenda.
The controversy has placed attention on Nigeria’s electoral requirements, particularly issues surrounding the submission and declaration of academic credentials by political candidates. Nigerian law requires candidates to provide truthful information to the electoral authorities, and false declarations can carry legal consequences.
However, the findings have not resulted in any public conviction or official declaration that Adamu committed an electoral offence. The allegations remain subject to legal and regulatory processes, and any determination of wrongdoing would require action by relevant authorities or a competent court.
The development has triggered debate among political observers in Bauchi and beyond over the importance of transparency in the qualifications presented by individuals seeking public office.
Supporters of Yakubu Adamu have defended his academic background, while critics have demanded further clarification and verification of the doctorate claim. His camp has previously argued that the university had international connections and that the qualification was legitimate.
The issue comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with candidates across Nigeria facing increased scrutiny over their backgrounds, qualifications and public records.
Yakubu Adamu, who previously served in the Bauchi State administration before joining the governorship race under the APM platform, is expected to remain a key political figure in the state’s opposition landscape.
The controversy surrounding his PhD has added another layer to the political contest in Bauchi, where candidates and parties are preparing for a competitive election cycle.
As calls grow for transparency, attention is now focused on whether electoral authorities, academic regulators or legal institutions will take further steps regarding the claims surrounding Adamu’s academic credential.
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