The recent resignation of Uche Nnaji from his role as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology amid accusations of certificate forgery has sparked diverse opinions. This incident not only casts doubt on the minister’s credibility but also highlights the depth of the investigative work carried out by Premium Times.
On Tuesday, the Presidency, through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted Nnaji’s resignation. This decision 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 addressed the public via 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 and relentless campaign of falsehoods, driven by political motives, attacking my character and office across various media platforms,” he stated.
He further emphasized that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a strategic move to prevent ongoing legal matters from interfering with his ministerial responsibilities and to respect judicial processes.
The Presidency’s release also acknowledged Nnaji’s claims of being targeted by political adversaries. Onanuga noted that the minister was a victim of blackmail, with President Tinubu expressing appreciation for his service and wishing him success in future endeavors.
“Nnaji has alleged that political opponents have blackmailed him. The President thanked him for his contributions and wished him well moving forward,” the statement added.
However, Premium Times’ extensive investigation revealed that Nnaji did not complete his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), contradicting his assertions. The probe also uncovered that both his degree and NYSC certificates, submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening, were likely forged.
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’ Investigation
The probe began on 23 October 2023 after a tip-off suggested discrepancies in Nnaji’s NYSC certificate, raising suspicions of forgery. This led to questioning the validity of his claim that he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN in 1985.
Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, informed the newspaper that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he never completed his studies nor was awarded 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). Despite multiple re-sit attempts, he did not pass and was eventually withdrawn due to repeated absences.
Notably, 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, dated from 16 April 1985 to 15 May 1986, predates his claimed graduation in July 1985, which is inconsistent since NYSC service cannot begin before graduation.
- The service period listed spans 13 months, whereas NYSC service is officially 12 months.
- The certificate bears an alphanumeric code “A231309” from 1986, yet such coding was not introduced until the 1990s.
- The endorsement reads “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 certificate.
These findings suggest that Nnaji has presented fraudulent 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 request.
Through an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), Nnaji asked the court to restrain the university from disclosing his records and to compel the release of his academic transcript to aid his recollection.
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 while Nnaji had a legitimate interest in the matter, the injunction to prevent 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 Claims Regarding His Degree
Interestingly, in his affidavit, Nnaji admitted that he never physically collected his degree certificate. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of his 34-paragraph affidavit suggest he has yet to receive the official document from UNN.
This raises a critical question: if he never obtained the certificate, how did he present one during his ministerial screening in August 2023?
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 not yet collected 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’s Vice-Chancellor, appointed in August 2025, refuted the registrar’s earlier statement to People Gazette, reinforcing the allegation of forgery.
The conflicting accounts and Nnaji’s admission of not possessing his certificate cast further doubt on the authenticity of the documents he has presented.
Given these revelations, it may be prudent for the former minister to return to academia and legitimately complete his degree.
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