Tinuade Sanda’s recent dismissal as CEO of a major electricity distribution company (Disco) in the southwest region has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community, triggering a storm of questions regarding the legitimacy of her academic qualifications and casting doubts on corporate integrity.

Sanda’s swift ascent to the helm of the Disco was marked by claims of academic achievements, prominently featuring an MBA in Strategic Planning purportedly obtained from the University of Edinburgh, a prestigious institution in Scotland. However, a thorough examination by the university revealed no such program exists, plunging her educational background into uncertainty. Further discrepancies emerged regarding her alleged undergraduate degree from Harvard Business School, a renowned institution known exclusively for graduate-level programs. Most alarmingly, Sanda’s claim of holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship from ICON University in the Republic of Benin was debunked as the institution’s credibility came under scrutiny. ICON University’s website, fraught with grammatical errors and dubious accreditations, provided no substantial evidence of Sanda’s academic pursuits.

The revelation of Sanda’s questionable credentials has raised profound concerns not only about her suitability for leadership but also about the efficacy of due diligence processes in corporate appointments. Investigations unearthed a disturbing trend in Benin, where institutions allegedly fabricate academic qualifications. Sanda’s association with such dubious credentials calls into question her judgment and underscores potential flaws in corporate vetting procedures.

Adding to the controversy, a November 2022 letter from Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) expressed reservations about Sanda’s competence and emotional maturity to lead the Disco. If proven false, Sanda’s embellished academic record not only stains her reputation but also undermines her credibility as a mentor, particularly to young women aspiring to leadership roles.

Sanda’s trajectory, marred by questionable qualifications, highlights the imperative for robust executive verification mechanisms to ensure appointments are based on merit and integrity. Her saga serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in corporate governance. As stakeholders grapple with the fallout, it prompts a broader discourse on the standards of integrity expected from leaders entrusted with pivotal roles in Nigeria’s business landscape.

[ThisNigeria]