Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has commenced an investigation into the academic credentials of one of its professors, Arc. Abdullahi Abubakar, following widespread attention generated by his extensive list of qualifications on social media.
The university said it was aware of the viral publications concerning the professor’s academic profile and would make its position known after completing the necessary investigation.
The Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs, Awwal Umar, confirmed the development, saying the university would respond to the matter at the appropriate time after establishing the facts.
Umar stressed that the institution would not rush to conclusions, noting that due process must be followed before making any substantive statement on the professor’s credentials.
The development followed reports and social media posts highlighting a list of qualifications attributed to Abubakar, reportedly including five PhDs, five master’s degrees, seven degrees, 11 diplomas and other academic credentials.
The extensive academic profile has attracted significant public interest, particularly because of Abubakar’s position at the university and his involvement in teaching, research and other academic activities.
Efforts by journalists to obtain the professor’s detailed response were unsuccessful, as repeated telephone calls to him went unanswered.
However, he acknowledged receiving a text message requesting his reaction but indicated that he was not ready to comment on the matter.
“Yours refers and noted, but not for now. Thank you,” he replied.
The professor did not state when he would provide a detailed response or clarify the qualifications attributed to him.
ABU’s investigation is expected to establish the authenticity and status of the qualifications in question before the university takes a formal position on the matter.
