Two leading Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria, have called for the enactment of tougher legislation to combat forgery.
This demand follows the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Although Nnaji insisted that stepping down was not an admission of any misconduct, these organisations highlighted that the certificate controversy surrounding him exposed significant lapses by the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security bodies in their oversight and investigative responsibilities.
Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, a prominent CSO leader, told LEADERSHIP that the Nnaji certificate forgery allegations reveal critical weaknesses in Nigeria’s vetting processes.
He pointed out that since the Constitution only requires a School Certificate for political office eligibility, politicians should refrain from presenting falsified advanced qualifications to secure appointments.
“The National Assembly and Senate have shown a lack of diligence-they approve nominees without thorough scrutiny, effectively neglecting their duty to verify credentials and conduct proper background checks,” Rafsanjani explained.
“Similarly, the DSS, tasked with screening federal appointees to prevent individuals linked to terrorism or criminality from entering public service, has failed in this mandate. This reflects a broader institutional incapacity to operate independently of executive influence.”
“Our institutions have become tools for regime protection rather than guardians of national integrity. Globally, agencies are responsible for barring individuals with criminal or corrupt backgrounds from public office because such positions are entrusted to those of unquestionable character, not merely political figures.”
“The negligence of the National Assembly and security agencies in vetting nominees’ criminal records exemplifies the dangers of political corruption,” he added.
“It is imperative to restore the nation’s reputation before it deteriorates further. The international community is observing our repeated scandals, which tarnish Nigeria’s image,” Rafsanjani warned.
NBA Insists Public Officials Must Be Transparent
Mazi Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), emphasized that any public official accused of certificate forgery has an obligation to clarify the matter to Nigerians.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP, Osigwe stated that those facing such allegations must either disprove them or face investigation.
Similarly, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned forgery as a grave offense that demands serious attention.
Responding to the accusations against Minister Uche Nnaji, Osigwe remarked:
“Public office is held in trust for the people, and any criminal allegations must be thoroughly examined.”
“Even before investigations, public officials should proactively verify the authenticity of their certificates.”
“If the accused minister or any public servant fails to openly confirm or refute the legitimacy of their credentials, the matter should be escalated for formal inquiry, as the public deserves transparency.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abdul Balogun urged that the former minister be prosecuted, stressing that forgery is a criminal offense that must not be overlooked.
“Offenders must face consequences. The president should not merely reprimand and release the minister; appropriate penalties must be enforced. This is crucial for maintaining national credibility, and security agencies must intervene accordingly,” he asserted.
Legal expert James Asapha criticized Nigeria’s leniency towards forgery by public officials.
“Future generations must not inherit leadership lacking integrity or role models who disregard ethical standards.”
“While hard work is essential, it becomes difficult to encourage diligence among youth when leaders engage in dishonesty.”
“Certificate forgery is a serious crime worldwide, attracting severe penalties. Unfortunately, Nigeria has failed to enforce these laws effectively, largely due to political interference.”
Constitutional lawyer Adegbule Majeed accused politicians of routinely engaging in certificate forgery and called for the issue to be treated with the gravity it deserves.
Adegboruwa Urges Tinubu to Pursue Justice
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action beyond merely accepting the minister’s resignation, insisting that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated.
Adegboruwa emphasized the need for security agencies to authenticate the contested documents and enforce the law if forgery is confirmed.
“There are widespread concerns about the qualifications of public officials in current and past administrations,” he noted.
“We have seen numerous instances involving falsified academic records, NYSC discharge certificates, and age documents, all intended to deceive the government and the public.”
ADC and Atiku Demand Scrutiny of Tinubu’s Appointees
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the alleged certificate forgery within the APC government, labeling it as symptomatic of a broader culture of dishonesty.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticized President Tinubu’s acceptance of the minister’s resignation as a weak response that fails to uphold integrity.
The party argued that treating such criminal acts as personal matters undermines public trust and signals tolerance for corruption.
“Allowing the minister to resign quietly after admitting that the certificates were not issued by the institutions sends a dangerous message, especially to young Nigerians, that dishonesty in public office is without consequence,” the statement read.
“Both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have officially disowned the certificates presented by Mr. Nnaji, and court documents confirm that UNN never awarded him a degree.”
“We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct an independent investigation. Resignation does not absolve criminal responsibility. Forgery is a crime, and if proven, Mr. Nnaji must face prosecution. Anything less would amount to a cover-up,” the ADC spokesman concluded.
Atiku Calls for Full Vetting of Federal Executive Council
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also urged a transparent and comprehensive review of the academic and professional qualifications of all Federal Executive Council members, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku criticized the minister’s voluntary resignation as a way to evade accountability, suggesting it reflects a government riddled with impostors and lacking moral integrity.
Nnaji Maintains Resignation Is Not an Admission of Wrongdoing
Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, stated that his resignation from President Tinubu’s cabinet does not imply guilt.
Nnaji stepped down amid controversy over his academic and NYSC discharge certificates, which he claimed were issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps respectively.
Despite his assertion that he graduated in 1985, the university has reportedly been unable to verify his records.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Nnaji explained that his decision to resign was a personal choice made to uphold due process and protect the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings.
“This is not an admission of guilt but a principled step to respect the legal process. Ultimately, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the innocent,” he said.
Nnaji also accused his critics of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against him.
“Over the past week, I have been subjected to a coordinated and malicious media assault aimed at undermining my integrity and office. These baseless allegations have caused personal distress and distracted from the Ministry’s important work and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support for the administration’s vision.
“I remain thankful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his confidence and the privilege to serve. I am committed to his vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria and will continue to support his transformative goals,” Nnaji affirmed.
President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation and, through his media aide Bayo Onanuga, thanked the former minister for his service while wishing him success in future endeavors.
Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023 by President Tinubu.
