Forgery allegation: American varsity clears air on Rhodes-Vivour’s certificate

An American university, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has confirmed the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, attended the school between 2005 and 2008.

According to the US-based University, Mr Rhodes-Vivour obtained a Master’s Degree in Architecture after studying at the institution for four years.

The Lagos LP flag-bearer, who is set to unseat the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been at the centre of a certificate forgery allegation after an email that purportedly emanated from the office of the Registrar of MIT appeared on social media claiming that the candidate did not attend the institution.

The email quoted Nathaniel Hagee, a coordinator at MIT academic record office, that there was no record Mr Rhodes-Vivour graduated from the university.

The mail was alleged to be a response to an enquiry made by a Nigerian on the educational status of Mr Rhodes-Vivour.

But reacting on Thursday, MIT’s News Office, Sarah McDonnell, Deputy Director, Media Relations, confirmed that Mr Rhodes-Vivour indeed attended the school and earned a Master’s degree.

“Thank you for reaching out. The MIT Registrar’s Office can confirm that Mr Rhodes-Vivour attended MIT from 2005 to 2008 and earned a Master of Architecture degree,” Ms McDonnell told Premium Times when contacted.

Rhodes-Vivour is contesting against Governor Sanwo-Olu, and 13 other candidates. He is believed to be riding on the popularity of the OBIDIENT Movement that has since been making waves in Nigeria’s political space.

(Tribune)