Nyesom Wike is facing renewed criticism after celebrating his son’s graduation from King’s College London, a move many say contradicts his past stance against studying law and related courses abroad.
Social media users resurfaced a 2015 Channels TV interview where Wike, then Rivers governor, argued that courses like law should be studied in Nigeria and that public funds should not sponsor foreign education for programmes available locally.
The backlash intensified after Wike posted photos from London, congratulating his son, Joaquin, for earning an MSc in Management and Technology Change, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from Rivers indigenes.
Critics recalled that as governor, Wike discontinued the foreign scholarship scheme initiated by Rotimi Amaechi under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, a decision that reportedly forced many students abroad to return home abruptly.
Port Harcourt-based youth activist Charles Jaja described the development as “hypocritical in all ramifications,” questioning why Wike’s son did not study in a Nigerian university if the minister truly believed in local education.
The controversy deepened as Wike’s trip to the UK coincided with an indefinite strike by FCT workers over unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions, which left many government offices in Abuja shut.
Despite the ongoing industrial action, Wike shared on Facebook that he travelled with his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and political associates including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Chief Dan Orbih to attend the graduation.
His media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the graduation details, while critics questioned the timing of the trip amid rising tension in the FCT.
Meanwhile, the FCTA had approached the National Industrial Court seeking to restrain striking unions from picketing and disrupting activities, with the case adjourned to January 26, 2026, for hearing.
