Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, issued a stern ultimatum on Friday to those who accuse him of possessing fraudulent academic credentials.
He demanded that within 30 days, they provide concrete evidence to the relevant authorities for a thorough investigation.
Soyinka emphasized that if these accusations are substantiated, he would willingly renounce all his titles and honors acquired throughout his illustrious career.
Furthermore, he declared that if the accusers fail to produce evidence within the specified timeframe, it would reflect poorly on their integrity, and they should symbolically “undertake to jump off the bridge of the symbolic River Niger” as a moral gesture of atonement.
The allegations trace back to a 1998 article by Joseph Dahip, which referenced a 1996 report by Prof. James Gibbs.
This report challenged Soyinka’s claim of attaining a first-class bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Leeds University, asserting that he actually obtained a second-class degree.
Gibbs claimed to rely on various sources, including Leeds publications, archival materials, Soyinka’s work, and personal interviews.
Soyinka expressed his intention to consult with his legal team regarding the possibility of legal action against the accusers.
He labeled the allegations as a malicious campaign, reminiscent of past attacks on opponents during General Sani Abacha’s regime.
In a resolute statement, Soyinka waived protection under the statute of limitations and urged the nation’s investigative agencies, including the Directorates of Prosecutions, EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission), as well as affected institutions, to thoroughly scrutinize the allegations. Should these allegations be debunked or unproven, Soyinka expected the accusers to make amends or face public censure.
Soyinka shared his statement with several organizations, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Pan-African Writers Association, Accra, Nigerian Association of Authors, the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, the University of Leeds, the alleged Bristol Primary Source, his school, and the media.
