Nnaji Resigns as Science Minister Following Certificate Forgery Allegations

President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, following allegations that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps certificates during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Nnaji’s resignation was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the minister thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the country. President Tinubu, according to the statement, commended him for his contributions to national development and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The development followed an investigative report by PREMIUM TIMES which alleged that the minister’s degree and NYSC certificates were not genuine. The newspaper’s two-year investigation, based on Freedom of Information requests and document verification, found that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where Nnaji claimed to have obtained a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, denied awarding him any certificate. Official correspondence from the university confirmed that while he was admitted in 1981, records showed that he neither completed his studies nor graduated. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, was quoted as stating that Nnaji’s name was missing from the institution’s graduation list for the 1985 session.

The report also revealed that the NYSC had distanced itself from the certificate Nnaji presented, further raising doubts about his credentials. Premium Times said its findings were supported by sworn affidavits, documentary evidence, and direct responses from the institutions involved.

In his response to the allegations, Nnaji denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he genuinely graduated from UNN in 1985 with a Second Class Lower degree. He described the investigation as a politically motivated smear campaign, claiming that the university’s denial was influenced by external pressures. Through his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, he presented a copy of the 1985 UNN graduation brochure which, according to him, contained his name and photograph. He also dismissed the variation between “Nnaji Uchenna G.” and “Geoffrey Uche Nnaji,” saying both names referred to him.

Despite maintaining his innocence, the minister submitted his resignation letter on Monday, a move his camp described as a personal decision meant to prevent the controversy from distracting the government. His spokesperson said the step was taken “in the interest of peace and focus,” adding that Nnaji would pursue the matter in court to clear his name.

Nnaji’s exit adds to a growing list of changes within President Tinubu’s cabinet since its inauguration in August 2023. The development has also renewed debate about the thoroughness of Nigeria’s ministerial screening process and the need for stronger verification mechanisms for public appointments.

Meanwhile, Premium Times has stood by its report, describing it as the result of a two-year, evidence-based investigation supported by official documents and legal correspondence. The newspaper said its findings underscore the importance of accountability journalism in promoting transparency within government.

The Presidency has yet to announce Nnaji’s replacement as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.