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Minister of Science Senator Uche Nnaji Resigns Following Certificate Forgery Claims
By Dayo Dare
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Senator Uche Nnaji, has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations that his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates were forged.
According to the minister, he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975. However, the university reportedly has no record of his attendance. A detailed two-year investigation by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.
The report claimed that UNN disowned the degree certificate Nnaji presented, and the minister himself admitted in an affidavit that he was never issued the degree in question.
Before this revelation, Nnaji had strongly defended the authenticity of his academic certificates. He even filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission, UNN, Vice Chancellor Simon Ortuanya, and others, seeking to restrain the university from “tampering” with his academic records.
In his defense, Nnaji presented evidence of his studentship, including a letter from the registrar, Dr. Celine Nnebedum, which he said confirmed his admission in 1981 and graduation in 1985. He also presented UNN’s 1985 graduation brochure, where his name appeared as “Nnaji Uchenna G,” alongside his photograph and those of other graduating students.
Despite these claims, UNN Vice Chancellor Simon Ortuanya reaffirmed Premium Times’ findings, stating that Nnaji was not a graduate of the institution.
The prolonged controversy eventually became “embarrassing,” as mounting evidence pointed to the falsification of his academic records.
Following the revelations, Nnaji tendered his resignation to President Bola Tinubu, which was accepted.
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the president for allowing him to serve Nigeria,” said Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
Nnaji was among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees President Tinubu submitted to the Senate for confirmation in July 2023.
