The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garba has said that Senator Dino Melaye graduated from the institution with a third class in Geography in the year, 2000.
The confirmation follows allegation made by Sahara Reporters that Melaye never graduated from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Kaduna as he claimed.
Recall that the senate, in a reaction, ordered the Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges to investigate the allegations.
At Monday’s hearing, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, explained that there was a complaint against Dino Melaye by Senator Ali Ndume that he was parading a fake degree certificate from the institution.
After admitting under oath that he graduated from the institution, Dino tendered series of documents to support his claim, explaining that he has also sworn affidavit as to conflicts in his names which was Daniel Jonah Melaye as the time of his graduation.
Senator @dino_melaye admits under oath that he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Sen @dino_melaye presents documents to ethics comm. Acceptance letter, acceptance of offer of admission, result from ABU, final year project
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Senator @dino_melaye said he officially changed his name from Daniel Melaye to Dino Melaye and he is ready to tender the affidavit
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Confirming Melaye’s claim, Prof. Garba told the Senate Committee that from records, Melaye was a former student of ABU and he graduated with a third class degree.
VC of ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, being put on oath now.. says from records, @dino_melaye was a former student of ABU
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
“Yes. From records, Dino formerly known as Daniel Jonah Melaye graduated from ABU. BA Geography” statement by VC of Ahmad Bello University
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
ABU VC reiterates that @dino_melaye graduated as Daniel Jonah Melaye. BA Geography Third Class, BA Geography in 2000.
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Meanwhile, Senator Matthew Urhoghide noted that they could see statement of results with an affidavit and not the purported original degree from ABU. In response, Dino said, he was yet to collect his original certificate, adding that he will collect his certificate next week.
Sen Urhoghide ask @dino_melaye where his original certificate is? Dino says, yet to collect certificate from ABU. Said he will collect it.
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
On his own part, Senator Ali Ndume stated that he did not expect the matter to escalate adding that with the VC’s submission, he was satisfied.
Senator Ndume thanks the Committee. Says I did not petition. I only raised point of order on privilege
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Ndume backtracks, Says he did not petition, raised point of order on privilege, decision to refer matter to Committee is that of the Senate.
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Sen Ndume said he didn’t expect matter to generate hopla it generated, said he listened to VC & agrees with him that @dino_melaye graduated
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
Ndume was Asked if he did any due diligence before raising the matter on the floor as a privilege, Said he only raised the issue.
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017
since Dino has defended himself & the VC has concurred, and a copy of the NYSC certificate presented, Ndume says “there is no big deal.”
— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 27, 2017