Dr Tanko Rashid ‘Computer’ refutes ‘fake’ PhD allegations
The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Acting CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer, has addressed the the controversy surrounding his PhD credentials.
According to him, “I was accepted into some of the top schools across the region, but at that time, I didn’t have enough money to attend. I studied at the Tamale-Bimbila School, which is my village school. At an early age, I earned the nickname ‘Computer’ because, during that period, secondary education was reduced from five years to three years. Unfortunately, when I entered the first year, I fell seriously ill and was bedridden for almost 12 months
“I suffered from an illness that was prevalent in my area. I believe it was a spiritual attack on my leg, which kept me down for nearly a year. During this time, we had two Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) teachers who came from the UK to teach us — one taught English, and the other taught Mathematics. They were instrumental in our education. One of them, Madam Katherine, taught Mathematics, and her methods were challenging for my classmates to grasp. I was the only one who could understand her teachings. While I was bedridden, a friend would bring me notes from class, and I would copy and study them in bed. When the end-of-year exams came around, the headmaster insisted that I be allowed to take them.”
He further explained that; “I was transported on a bicycle every day to sit for the exam. Despite missing a whole year of classes, I was able to take the exam and ended up topping my class. That’s how I got the nickname ‘Computer.'”
According to a report by myjoyonline.com dated June 11, Tanko-Computer was responding to the allegations questioning the authenticity of his doctoral degree, which has sparked heated debates online.
“When I read a book, I remember it perfectly. Even if you ask me about it in 100 years, I will repeat everything for you. I was born with this gift; it runs in my family. I believe God was very generous to me after I lost my parents at a young age. When I pick up a document to read, it just sticks in my mind,” he remarked.
He also shared, “On the math paper that day, I scored 98 out of 100, while the second-place student scored 57. I still remember that. After seeing my results, Madam Katherine said, ‘This is a computer man.’ At the time, I didn’t even know what computers were in my village. That’s when people began calling me ‘Computer,’ and the name stuck with me, so I had to gazette the name ‘Computer’ and add it to my name. Many people don’t know my real name is Rashid; they recognise me solely as ‘Computer.’ If I say Rashid, people don’t know who I am; even my bosses refer to me as ‘Computer.'”
Dr. Rashid expressed his frustration over the unfounded claims, stating, “I don’t respond to idiots.”
He emphasised that his academic credentials are publicly verifiable and that he has consistently demonstrated his expertise through his work.
“If you go to party quarters across the country and ask for Tanko Rashid, people may not know who that is. But mention ‘Computer,’ and it’s like WiFi — everyone knows,” he shared.
He then recounted his journey to Accra.
“After finishing secondary school, I attended teacher training college. I would have elaborated on my academic journey, but time is limited. Out of 103 students who took the first exam, only two of us passed: me and one other lady, who was fortunate to sit next to me. In a way, I helped her succeed. I would have entered university at that time, but due to financial constraints, I attended teacher training college to support myself, and later on, I became a professional teacher.
“I was fortunate to win an award at teacher training college as one of the best students. During that time, there was a shortage of teachers for secondary schools. When I graduated, I was supposed to be placed in JHS or primary schools; secondary schools were meant for graduates and diploma holders. “
Dr Rashid urged his detractors to focus on constructive criticism rather than personal attacks.
Despite the allegations, Dr Rashid’s professional achievements and contributions speak for themselves.
“The wisdom of the Ghana Education Service (GES) saw my talent and decided I shouldn’t be sent to JSS to teach, so I was placed directly in a secondary school to teach. That’s something many people don’t know: as the CEO of GIFEC, my journey as a ‘Computer’ started a long time ago.”
NAD/AE
After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris has been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below: