The Freedom of Information Act notwithstanding, authorities at the University of Port Harcourt have turned down the request for Doctorate degree records of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Prompt News recalls that Nsirimovu Courage, Esq of the Access to Information Officer of the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law had requested for the detailed PhD records of the President.

Mr. Courage had made the request in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA.

A reply letter signed by the University’s Legal Officer, Loveday Osuo Abonemi, reads:

”The Management of the University has carefully considered your request vis-a-vis the FOI Act.

“It is my instructions to inform you that your request does not come within the relevant provisions of the FOI Act for its applicability or for the University to provide such details as requested.

“Details of the PhD Degree of President Goodluck Jonathan in the University of Port Harcourt cannot therefore be made available to you”.

Meanwhile, the University management had earlier assured that the request was being considered.

“I wish to refer to your application to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on the above subject.

“It is my instructions to inform you that the Management of the University is considering your request and will forward a response to you in due course accordingly”, the University had said earlier.

Reacting, the activist who made the request wondered, “What is UniPort hiding? Why is his PhD thesis not at the University library?

“Why has the thesis not been cited by any academic or student? These are all questions that need answers”.