The recent resignation of Uche Nnaji from his role as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology amid accusations of certificate forgery has sparked diverse opinions. This incident not only casts doubt on the credibility of Nigeria’s technology leadership but also highlights the thoroughness of Premium Times’ investigative report.
On Tuesday, the Presidency, through a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the acceptance of Nnaji’s resignation. This followed scrutiny over the authenticity of his academic qualifications and NYSC documentation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in light of allegations leveled against him. He tendered his resignation today, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria,” the statement declared.
Later that evening, Nnaji issued a personal declaration on his X (formerly Twitter) account, asserting that his resignation was a personal choice. He described the investigation as politically motivated, aimed at undermining his reputation.
“This decision was not made lightly. Over the past week, I have been subjected to a coordinated, relentless campaign of misinformation, driven by political agendas, attacking my character and office across various media platforms,” he stated.
Nnaji emphasized that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a strategic move to prevent the ongoing controversy from hindering his ministerial responsibilities and to respect the judicial process.
The Presidency’s release also acknowledged Nnaji’s claims of being targeted by political adversaries. Bayo Onanuga noted that the minister was subjected to blackmail by opponents.
“Nnaji has alleged that political rivals have blackmailed him. President Tinubu expressed appreciation for his service and wished him success in his future pursuits,” the statement added.
However, Premium Times’ extensive investigation uncovered that Nnaji did not complete his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), contradicting his claims. The probe also revealed that both the degree and NYSC certificates he submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening were counterfeit.
Over a two-year inquiry, the newspaper found that Nnaji failed multiple courses at UNN, which prevented him from graduating. The investigation included detailed fact-checking and forensic examination of the certificates he presented.
Also Read: Breaking: Minister of Innovation, Geoffrey Nnaji resigns amid certificate forgery scandal.
Overview of Premium Times’ Inquiry
The investigation began on October 23, 2023, after a tip-off suggested irregularities in Nnaji’s NYSC certificate, hinting it might be forged. This raised doubts about his claim of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN in 1985.
UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Simon U. Ortuanya, informed the newspaper that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he never completed his studies or received a degree. The university confirmed there were no records of his graduation in July 1985.
Further findings showed that Nnaji enrolled in biological sciences during the 1981/82 academic year but failed several courses, including Virology (MCB 431AB). He also failed multiple resits and was eventually withdrawn due to repeated absences. His name was absent from the official list of graduates at the university’s 20th Convocation Ceremony in 1985.
Forensic analysis of his NYSC certificate also raised red flags:
- The certificate’s service period (April 16, 1985, to May 15, 1986) predates his claimed graduation date in July 1985, which is inconsistent since NYSC service cannot begin before graduation.
- The certificate indicates a 13-month service duration, whereas the NYSC program lasts only 12 months.
- The alphanumeric code “A231309” on the certificate was not used until the 1990s, yet the certificate is dated 1986.
- The certificate bears the title “National Director,” but records show that between 1980 and 1990, certificates were signed simply by “Director.”
- The signature on the certificate is that of Animashaun Braimoh, who served as NYSC CEO from January 1988 to December 1990, making it impossible for him to have signed a 1986 document.
These findings suggest that Nnaji has presented forged documents to advance his career, raising serious concerns about his integrity.
Legal Developments
In response to the investigation, Nnaji sought to prevent UNN from releasing or altering his academic records. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his application.
Through an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), Nnaji requested the court to bar the university from disclosing his academic records and to compel the release of his transcript to refresh his memory.
The suit named the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, its Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya, Registrar Professor Oguenjiofor Ujam, and the university Senate as respondents.
Justice Yilwa ruled that although Nnaji had a legitimate interest, the injunction to stop UNN from releasing his records was denied, affirming the university’s right to disclose his academic information to authorized parties.
“I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter, and the application is partly meritorious. Accordingly, prayers 1, 2, and 3 are granted, while prayer 4, which sought an injunction, is declined,” the judge declared.
Contradictions in Nnaji’s Degree Claims
Interestingly, in an affidavit, Nnaji admitted that he never collected his degree certificate from UNN. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of his 34-paragraph affidavit confirm this admission.
This raises a critical question: if he never obtained his certificate, how did he present one during his ministerial screening in August 2023?
Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Science and Technology” class=”wp-image-236278 lazyload” style=”–smush-placeholder-width: 2048px; –smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2048/1365;”/>He referenced a letter issued by UNN in December 2023 to the People’s Gazette, which purportedly confirmed his graduation in 1985 with a Second Class (Lower Division) degree.
“Although I have yet to collect my certificate due to the university’s uncooperative stance, the institution issued a letter dated December 21, 2023, to an online news outlet confirming my graduation in July 1985 with a Second Class (Lower Division) in Microbiology/Biochemistry,” he claimed.
However, Premium Times’ investigation contradicted this assertion. The university registrar’s response to People Gazette in December 2023 conflicts with the Vice-Chancellor’s statement made after his appointment in August 2025.
The investigation’s findings, supported by the VC’s comments, reinforce suspicions of certificate forgery. Nnaji’s admission of not having received his certificate further casts doubt on the authenticity of the document he has displayed.
Given these revelations, it may be prudent for the former minister to return to academia and legitimately complete his degree.