Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche (Geoffrey) Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following allegations that he submitted forged academic and NYSC credentials during his appointment. His decision, he says, is “a personal choice — not an admission of guilt,” and comes amid intense public scrutiny and institutional denials of his claimed qualifications.
In a statement posted shortly after he stepped down, Nnaji thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing him to serve and pledged continued loyalty, despite the controversy. “I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me … and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration,” he said.
Nnaji, who was appointed minister in August 2023, became embroiled in a controversy after an investigative report questioned the authenticity of his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and his NYSC discharge certificate. UNN and NYSC have both denied issuing the credentials in question, saying they could not verify the records submitted by Nnaji.
The minister responded by rejecting the allegations and characterising them as politically motivated. “These unfounded allegations and media distortions … have begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry,” he said.
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President Tinubu has formally accepted the resignation, and his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well. Nnaji’s resignation shows the growing tensions over credential verification among public officials in Nigeria.
The controversy first gained momentum when Premium Times published a detailed investigation, claiming both Nnaji’s university degree and NYSC certificate were forged.
UNN later confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted in an earlier session, his name did not appear in its graduation or alumni records.
In September, Nnaji filed suit at the Federal High Court to prevent UNN, the Ministry of Education, and related bodies from releasing his academic documents to the media.
Going forward, courts are expected to examine Nnaji’s claims, and the outcome may set precedent in credential verification for public office. Meanwhile, the presidency and governing structures will likely review vetting processes for all future ministerial appointees.
