Experts have urged corporate entities to prioritize thorough due diligence when appointing individuals to key roles within their organizations.
According to management experts, the recent case of Tinuade Sanda, the former CEO of a prominent electricity distribution company in Nigeria, underscores the importance of verifying credentials before making high-level appointments.
Charles Ojo, a management consultant based in Abuja, emphasized that Sanda’s dismissal raised serious concerns about corporate integrity. He said that her swift ascent to the top ranks of the company was accompanied by claims of academic achievements, including an MBA in Strategic Planning from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. However, an investigation by the university revealed no record of such a programme, raising doubts about Sanda’s educational background.
Ojo said that further inconsistencies emerged regarding her alleged undergraduate degree from Harvard Business School, known for offering only graduate-level programmes.
‘‘Most alarmingly, Sanda’s claim of holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship from ICON University in Benin Republic was refuted upon scrutiny of the institution’s credibility. The questionable credentials displayed on ICON University’s website, characterized by grammatical errors and dubious accreditations, failed to substantiate Sanda’s academic credentials.’’
Aminu Dauda, another expert, highlighted the exposure of Sanda’s questionable credentials, sparking concerns about her suitability for leadership roles and prompting a reevaluation of due diligence processes in corporate appointments. Dauda emphasized that Sanda’s association with dubious credentials raises doubts about her judgment and exposes potential flaws in corporate vetting procedures.
He said, ‘‘Investigations have revealed disturbing trends in Benin, where institutions are accused of fabricating academic qualifications. Sanda’s embellished academic record would not only damage her reputation but also undermine her credibility as a mentor, especially to young women aspiring to leadership. Her tainted trajectory, marked by questionable qualifications, underscores the urgent need for robust executive verification mechanisms to ensure appointments are based on merit and integrity.
‘‘Her situation serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for ethical conduct and transparency in corporate governance. As stakeholders grapple with the repercussions, it initiates a broader conversation about the integrity standards expected from leaders entrusted with pivotal roles in Nigeria’s business arena.’’