In a development that has stirred both political and public discourse across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from office following a damning revelation that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the academic certificates he presented during his appointment.
The controversy, which had been brewing for weeks, reached a breaking point when the prestigious institution publicly denied ever issuing a Bachelor of Science degree to Nnaji, contradicting the academic credentials he claimed to possess. His resignation letter, tendered on October 7, 2025, marks one of the most dramatic exits from Tinubu’s cabinet since its formation.
How the Scandal Began
The scandal first gained national attention after investigative reports alleged that the minister’s B.Sc. certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, supposedly obtained from UNN in July 1985, was not authentic. Journalists uncovered inconsistencies in his academic records, pointing out that internal university documents showed Nnaji did not fulfill the graduation requirements.
According to the findings, Nnaji was admitted into UNN in 1981 but failed a key course—Virology (MCB 431 AB)—and was advised to retake it in the 1985/1986 academic session. However, there was no evidence he ever returned to complete the course or graduate formally. The university subsequently released an official statement confirming that it had never awarded Nnaji any degree certificate.
The story escalated when the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate also came under scrutiny. Observers noticed irregularities in its numbering format and the signature on the document, further deepening suspicions of forgery.
UNN’s Official Statement
In a statement released through its Registrar’s Office, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka stated categorically that “Mr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji was admitted into the Faculty of Biological Sciences in 1981 but did not complete his course of study. The University did not and consequently could not have issued him any certificate in July 1985.”
This declaration effectively invalidated the minister’s academic claim, fueling widespread outrage among civil society organizations, student groups, and anti-corruption advocates who demanded his immediate resignation and prosecution.
The Minister’s Defense
Before his resignation, Nnaji attempted to defend himself, describing the allegations as politically motivated attacks engineered by his opponents. He argued that he had made several efforts to retrieve his official transcript and certificate from the university but was met with bureaucratic resistance.
He further accused sections of the media of carrying out a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his image and destabilizing his political career. However, the mounting evidence, coupled with UNN’s categorical denial, made his position increasingly untenable.
Faced with growing pressure from the public, the media, and even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nnaji tendered his resignation, which President Tinubu promptly accepted.
Legal Drama and Ongoing Investigation
The matter has since moved from political controversy to legal confrontation. Nnaji filed a lawsuit against the University of Nigeria and sought a court injunction to prevent the release of his academic records. The Federal High Court in Abuja, however, declined the injunction, ruling that the public had the right to know the truth about a serving minister’s credentials.
Although no formal criminal charges have been filed yet, there are growing calls from civil society organizations for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate potential forgery and perjury.
Observers also note that Nnaji’s case might set a legal precedent for future vetting of public officials, especially regarding the authenticity of academic documents submitted during Senate confirmation hearings.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Nigerians have taken to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to express frustration over what many describe as another embarrassing example of weak vetting systems and official corruption. The hashtag #CertificateScandal trended for days as users demanded accountability from both the minister and the agencies responsible for screening public office holders.
Several civil rights groups, including SERAP and BudgIT, criticized the Senate’s screening process, arguing that it failed to detect inconsistencies that basic verification could have exposed. They also called for comprehensive background checks on all current and future ministers to prevent similar scandals.
Political analysts have described the saga as a test of President Tinubu’s anti-corruption posture. While the President’s swift acceptance of Nnaji’s resignation was praised, many believe that disciplinary action and criminal prosecution must follow to restore public confidence.
Erosion of Trust and Lessons Learned
The Nnaji scandal has reignited conversations about integrity and accountability in Nigerian public life. The incident mirrors earlier controversies involving politicians whose academic claims were later debunked. Beyond personal embarrassment, such cases erode citizens’ trust in government institutions and question the meritocracy within Nigeria’s political system.
Analysts warn that if the government fails to impose consequences, it will embolden others to falsify credentials for political advantage. The situation also underscores the need for universities to digitize and protect academic records to prevent document manipulation.
Conclusion
Uche Nnaji’s resignation closes one chapter but opens another—one that forces Nigeria to confront the deeper rot of dishonesty in its governance culture. His fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring leaders and a wake-up call for the institutions charged with ensuring the integrity of public appointments.
Whether the authorities will pursue justice and enforce accountability remains to be seen. But for many Nigerians, the message is clear: the era of forged certificates and unverified claims in public service must end.
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