Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned following allegations that he submitted forged academic documents during his appointment process in 2023.
The resignation comes just days after an investigative report by Premium Times accused Nnaji of presenting falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu. The report claimed that Nnaji misrepresented his academic qualifications, particularly a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), quoting Nnaji as saying he had become a “target of blackmail by political opponents.”
Despite stepping down, Nnaji has strongly denied the allegations, insisting he did graduate from UNN. However, UNN reportedly told Premium Times it had no records of him completing his degree or being issued a certificate. A senior university official confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but never graduated.
Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disclosed that it could not verify the authenticity of the national service certificate Nnaji submitted in April 2023.
The revelations have drawn public anger, with opposition leader Atiku Abubakar calling for an independent investigation. “Nnaji should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification,” Atiku posted on X. “Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources.”
Nnaji becomes only the second minister to leave office under President Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023. Earlier this year, former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, was suspended over a separate corruption scandal.
The Nnaji case has reignited national conversations around political accountability, transparency, and the vetting of public officials.
