A 1986 General Certificate of Education (GCE) result reportedly belonging to Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, has emerged online, sparking controversy over his academic competence.
The result, said to be from Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, shows that Ukachukwu—popularly known as Ikukuoma—recorded an F9 in English Language, failed Mathematics and Economics, secured only passes in Igbo Language, Bible Knowledge, Biology, and Commerce, and obtained a single credit in Chemistry.
The document was shared on Monday by human rights lawyer and activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, via his X handle. The revelation has triggered widespread debate on social media, with critics questioning APC’s choice of candidates and raising concerns about the preparedness of individuals aspiring to executive office.
Ukachukwu has yet to confirm or deny the authenticity of the document. However, the development has reignited long-standing concerns about the transparency of Nigeria’s political vetting process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier published candidates’ academic records in line with the Electoral Act, making them open for public scrutiny. As of press time, no formal petition had been filed challenging Ukachukwu’s credentials.
The controversy mirrors similar disputes in Nigerian politics. President Bola Tinubu’s academic records from Chicago State University drew heavy scrutiny during the 2023 general elections. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, later admitted in a BBC interview that political leaders were aware of the inconsistencies but chose to back Tinubu, believing he could replicate his success in Lagos on a national scale.
“We all knew about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate what he did in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him,” El-Rufai said. “However, he failed.”
The fresh debate over Ukachukwu’s alleged academic shortcomings underscores the recurring issue of questionable qualifications among Nigerian politicians and the broader demand for greater accountability in the nation’s leadership selection process.
