June 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | Investigation
Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding the academic credentials of Yakubu Adamu, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State, following an investigative report that questioned the validity of his doctoral degree.
According to findings published by WikkiTimes, Adamu, who frequently uses the title “Dr.” and claims to have earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 2020 from the International University of Bamenda (IUB) in Cameroon, obtained the qualification from an institution that was reportedly not authorised to award doctoral degrees.
The investigation cited records from Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education indicating that private universities in the country are not permitted to conduct doctoral training or award PhD certificates. Regulatory authorities reportedly stated that no private higher education institution in Cameroon has approval to offer doctoral programmes.
Officials of the International University of Bamenda also reportedly stated that the institution does not operate any approved satellite campus in Nigeria and warned that any organisation issuing certificates in its name without authorisation is acting independently.
The report further alleged inconsistencies surrounding Adamu’s doctoral thesis, including questions about supervision, examination procedures, and similarities between portions of the thesis abstract and previously published academic materials.
Investigators also claimed that the individual listed as Adamu’s PhD supervisor appeared in university records as a student rather than a recognised doctoral supervisor.
Additional concerns were raised over the university’s academic records, alumni listings, and the institution’s reported sanction by Cameroonian authorities in 2024 over allegations relating to the issuance of questionable diplomas.
WikkiTimes reported that multiple attempts were made to obtain responses from Adamu regarding the allegations and requests for access to his complete doctoral thesis. However, no response had been received at the time the report was published.
One of the academics mentioned in the investigation, Alhaji Kawu Gana, acknowledged supervising Adamu’s thesis and maintained that he believed the institution was recognised at the time. He also stated that he considered his own qualification from the university valid unless an authorised body ruled otherwise.
The allegations have sparked fresh debate over academic credential verification and quality assurance in higher education institutions operating across Africa.
As of the time of this report, Yakubu Adamu and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) had not publicly responded to the specific findings contained in the investigation.
SOURCE: WikkiTimes Investigative Report, June 13, 2026.
