Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s embattled Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has tendered his resignation, following explosive revelations that he allegedly submitted forged academic and service credentials to the presidency and Senate.
The presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted the resignation, noting that Nnaji expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve before stepping down. Nnaji, in his letter, claimed he had been a target of “blackmail by political opponents.”
Forged Degrees or Missing Records
The downward spiral began after a two-year investigation by Premium Times exposed inconsistencies in Nnaji’s educational documentation. According to the report, Nnaji presented a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial confirmation process in 2023 — both of which, the investigation claims, are forged.
UNN later disowned the certificate Nnaji claimed to have received, stating that available records do not support his graduation in July 1985, despite his matriculation in 1981. The NYSC also confirmed that it could not authenticate the discharge certificate in his name.
During media appearances, Nnaji’s aide, Robert Ngwu, countered that the scandal was politically motivated, accusing investigative journalists of being paid to “trash” the minister’s reputation. Still, those defenses have done little to quell mounting public outcry.
Public Backlash, Legal Showdown, and Political Fallout
Until his resignation, the presidency had largely taken a neutral stance, stating it would await a court ruling before taking definitive action. But reporters noted that public pressure and reputational damage could no longer be ignored.
Nnaji himself filed a court suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025) seeking to compel UNN to release his transcripts, while restraining the university from tampering with his academic records. A hearing is scheduled for November 10.
