FACT-CHECK: Did Bola Oyebamiji Possess Only an HND Before Enrolling for a PhD Programme? By Ismail Omipidan CLAIM: Allegations circulating in political discussions claim that the Osun APC Governorship Candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, enrolled for a PhD programme using only a Higher National Diploma (HND), without possessing any additional academic qualifications. Background: The allegation suggests that Oyebamiji’s highest academic qualification prior to his PhD enrolment was an HND, thereby questioning his academic eligibility for doctoral studies. The claim has gained traction amid heightened political activities and public scrutiny of candidates’ credentials. Ordinarily, admission into a PhD programme in Nigerian universities requires possession of at least a relevant Master’s degree. The controversy, therefore, centres on whether Oyebamiji holds qualifications beyond an HND. Verification: To ascertain the veracity of the claim, I reviewed publicly available biographical records, professional profiles, and credential disclosures relating to Bola Oyebamiji. Findings confirm that while Oyebamiji obtained his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, his academic progression did not stop at that level. Further checks reveal that he earned two Master’s degrees, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Lagos State University, Ojo, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University). In addition to his academic qualifications, Oyebamiji became a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in 2009 and is a Fellow of professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria and the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals. His professional career also reflects a longstanding trajectory in the banking sector prior to public service. He began as an Assistant Manager at Wema Bank Plc in 1989, later joined Trans International Bank where he rose to Principal Manager and headed the Lagos Region before exiting in 2003. He subsequently worked at Spring Bank Plc as Head of Business Development and later at Enterprise Bank as Head of the Retail Business Unit. In 2012, he was appointed Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL). There is no evidence supporting the claim that Oyebamiji’s highest academic qualification is limited to an HND. Conclusion: Findings show that Bola Oyebamiji holds two Master’s degrees in addition to his OND and HND qualifications. The claim that he enrolled for a PhD programme with only an HND is inaccurate. Verdict: Misleading - Bola Oyebamiji possesses two Master’s degrees and meets the academic requirement to be a PhD candidate.