Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has begun verifying the academic credentials of one of its professors following growing attention online over his unusually extensive list of qualifications.
The university said it is investigating the academic profile of Prof. Arc. Abdullahi Abubakar after a social media publication highlighting his credentials went viral.
The controversy has attracted attention both within and outside the university community, with questions being raised about the authenticity and extent of the professor’s reported academic achievements.
Awwal Umar, Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs at ABU, confirmed that the university was aware of the publication and had commenced steps to establish the facts.
According to him, the institution would make its position known after completing the necessary investigation.
He stressed that the university would not rush to conclusions, noting that the matter required proper verification before any definitive statement could be made.
Five PhDs, five master’s degrees and more
The attention surrounding Prof. Abubakar stems from reports circulating online about his academic profile.
According to the publications, the professor is credited with five PhDs, five master’s degrees, seven other degrees and 11 diplomas, alongside additional academic qualifications.
The sheer number of qualifications has generated considerable interest, particularly because of his position at one of Nigeria’s leading universities and his involvement in teaching, research and other academic activities.
However, the university has not yet confirmed the authenticity or accuracy of the full list circulating online.
ABU said its investigation is intended to establish what qualifications the professor actually holds and clarify any discrepancies that may exist between the claims circulating on social media and his official academic records.
Professor declines immediate comment
Efforts to obtain Prof. Abubakar’s direct response were unsuccessful, as several telephone calls to him went unanswered.
However, when contacted through text message and asked to comment on the issue, the professor acknowledged receiving the request but indicated that he was not prepared to respond immediately.
“Yours refers and noted, but not for now. Thank you,” he replied.
He did not provide a timeline for when he might issue a detailed response or clarify the qualifications attributed to him.
ABU awaits findings
The university has urged caution as the verification process continues, indicating that conclusions will only be reached after the relevant records have been examined.
The development has also renewed discussions about the importance of verifying academic credentials, particularly for individuals occupying senior positions in higher education.
For now, attention remains on ABU as the institution works to establish the facts behind Prof. Abubakar’s widely circulated academic profile.
ABU Investigates Professor’s Remarkable Academic Profile After Credentials Go Viral
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