During the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, Former President Muhammadu Buhari made a deliberate choice to withhold his West African Senior School Certificate, stating that critics who were attacking him on this issue could “please themselves”.
Reflecting on the presentation of the attestation certificate by the WAEC Registrar and officials in November 2018, Buhari justified his decision by explaining, “It would have been impossible for me to attend the Defence Services Staff College, India (1973) and thereafter, United States Army War College, as a Nigerian military officer if I didn’t sit for the WASC examinations in 1961.”
Despite facing criticism and public outcry, Buhari revealed that he had copies of his certificate in his possession all along, stating, “I always had it, but refused to release it, so that those venting spleen on it could please themselves.” Former spokesman Femi Adesina disclosed Buhari’s remarks from his recently launched book “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023).”
Explaining the significance of the examinations, Buhari emphasized the importance of the English language, mathematics, and general knowledge in the military. He highlighted the rigorous training in geographic orientation and mathematical calculations that were essential for military personnel, underscoring the vital skills needed to navigate and find their way in challenging terrains.