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| Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji (PHOTO CREDIT: Uche Nnaji's Facebook Page) |
In a significant development within President Bola Tinubu's cabinet, Uche Nnaji has resigned from his position as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The resignation, confirmed by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, follows a damning investigative report by Premium Times alleging that the minister forged his academic credentials.
President Tinubu has accepted the minister's decision, marking a swift end to Nnaji's tenure, which began in August 2023.
The Allegations: A Deep Dive into the Forged Credentials
The scandal erupted after a two-year investigation by Premium Times concluded that the certificates Nnaji submitted for his ministerial screening were forgeries. The report presented conclusive evidence on two key documents:
- University Degree: The Bachelor's degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was found to be fraudulent.
- NYSC Discharge Certificate: The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate was also determined to be a forgery.
According to the investigation, while Nnaji claimed to have graduated and proceeded for national service, records showed he was still communicating with UNN about re-sitting a failed course during that same period.
A History of Doubts and a Failed Defense
Allegations of certificate forgery have shadowed Geoffrey Uche Nnaji since July 2023, when he was first nominated as a minister. Critics had consistently insisted he never completed his university education.
The minister's response to the expose was telling. He was absent from a press conference called by his own office to address the allegations. Instead, his aides appeared, making unsubstantiated claims that he did graduate from UNN claims that were quickly contradicted by further evidence published by Premium Times.
Institutions Disown the Certificates
Adding immense credibility to the allegations, both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the NYSC officially disowned the certificates presented by Nnaji. These statements came in response to formal Freedom of Information (FOI) requests filed by Premium Times, leaving no doubt about the documents' illegitimacy.
Nnaji's Resignation: "Target of Blackmail"
In his resignation letter, Geoffrey Nnaji thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve. However, he framed his departure as a response to being a "target of blackmail by political opponents," rather than an admission of guilt.
President Tinubu, in turn, thanked the former minister for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors. His Resignation letter reads in full:
"PRESS RELEASE
Statement by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji,
Former Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Abuja, Nigeria October 07, 2025
"After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This decision did not come lightly. Over the past week, an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms. These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration. My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.
I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji
Former Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Federal Republic of Nigeria"
Political Profile: From Enugu Gubernatorial Candidate to Minister
Before his ministerial appointment, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji was a prominent political figure in Enugu State. He was the 2023 governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost to Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Nnaji hails from Akpogu in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
FAQs: The Resignation of Minister Geoffrey Uche Nnaji
Q1: Why did Minister Uche Nnaji resign?
A1: Uche Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science, and
Technology following a detailed investigation by Premium Times that
exposed alleged forgeries of his university degree and NYSC certificate.
Q2: What did the investigation find?
A2:
The Premium Times investigation concluded that both the UNN degree and
NYSC discharge certificate submitted by Nnaji for his ministerial
screening were "outright forgeries." Both UNN and NYSC have officially
disowned the documents.
Q3: How did President Tinubu respond?
A3:
President Tinubu accepted the resignation. According to his aide, the
President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well.
Q4: What was Nnaji's reason for resigning?
A4:
In his resignation letter, Nnaji stated he was a "target of blackmail
by political opponents," but did not directly address the specific
forgery allegations.