FACT-CHECK REBUTTAL: Setting the Record Straight on Oyebabiji’s Academic Claims

Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second

By Comr. Olatunji OLORUNFEMI

The recent fact-check published by Ismail Omipidan on the academic qualifications of Bola Oyebamiji raises more questions than it answers. While it attempts to dismiss concerns surrounding his alleged PhD enrolment pathway, it unfortunately glosses over critical academic distinctions and regulatory realities within Nigeria’s higher education system.

Let us put the record straight.

1. The Core Issue Was Not Addressed

The central allegation is not whether Oyebamiji possesses additional qualifications beyond an HND. Rather, the issue is whether those qualifications meet the academic threshold required for PhD admission in Nigeria.

Omipidan’s conclusion appears to rely on the existence of two Master’s degrees—MBA and MPA—without interrogating their relevance in the context of doctoral eligibility.

2. Nigerian Academic Progression Is Structured — Not Arbitrary

In Nigeria, the conventional academic progression toward a PhD is clear and regulated:

– HND – PGD – MSc – PhD, or
– BSc – MSc – PhD

This structure reflects the standards upheld by universities and regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC).

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MPA (Master of Public Administration) are professional Master’s degrees, not academic research degrees like an MSc.

This distinction is fundamental.

3. MBA/MPA vs MSc — Not the Same Academic Weight

While MBA and MPA are valid postgraduate qualifications, they are:

– Practice-oriented
– Designed for professional advancement
– Typically not research-intensive

In contrast, an MSc (Master of Science) is:

– Academically rigorous
– Research-based
– The standard prerequisite for PhD programmes

Therefore, possession of MBA and MPA does not automatically qualify a candidate for PhD admission, especially in strictly academic disciplines.

4. PhD vs DBA/DPA — Important Distinction

There is also a tendency to conflate different types of doctoral programmes:

– PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) – Academic, research-intensive
– DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) – Professional doctorate
– DPA (Doctor of Public Administration) – Professional doctorate

A candidate with a professional academic background (MBA/MPA) is more aligned with DBA or DPA pathways, not a traditional PhD track without additional academic conversion such as an MSc.

This raises a legitimate question:

Is Oyebamiji pursuing a PhD, or a professional doctorate such as DBA or DPA?

5. The INEC Declaration Question

Another unresolved issue is transparency.

If indeed Oyebamiji possesses MBA and MPA qualifications:

– Why were these not prominently declared to INEC?

– Why is the HND consistently presented as the primary qualification?

In Nigerian political practice, candidates typically showcase their highest qualifications, not the lowest.

This omission naturally fuels public skepticism and calls for clarification.

6. The Burden of Public Accountability

Public office aspirants are subject to scrutiny not as an attack, but as a democratic necessity.

Clarifying:

– The exact nature of his doctoral programme

– The academic pathway followed

– The full disclosure of credentials

would eliminate ambiguity and strengthen public trust.

Conclusion

The earlier fact-check falls short because it answers the wrong question.

Yes, may possess qualifications beyond HND. However, the critical issue remains:

Do those qualifications meet the academic requirements for a PhD in Nigeria? Noooooo

Until this is clearly addressed with precision and transparency the matter cannot be dismissed as merely “misleading.” as claimed by Omipidan

Verdict: Inconclusive and Requires Clarification

The available information does not sufficiently establish that Oyebamiji followed a recognized academic pathway to a PhD. Distinctions between professional and academic degrees must not be blurred in the interest of political convenience.

Comr. Olatunji OLORUNFEMI Awokoworldwide
ND | HND | PGD | MBA | FCILMMD | AME (Academy Management Executive Inc., USA)