Nigerian Minister Resigns Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Uche Nnaji steps down after newspaper investigation exposes discrepancies in his academic records

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned following explosive allegations that he forged his academic qualifications. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, drawing widespread public outrage and reigniting concerns about accountability in government.

Newspaper Investigation Uncovers Forgery Claims

The controversy began after a detailed investigation by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji submitted falsified academic certificates during his appointment by Bola Tinubu in 2023. The report suggested that the credentials Nnaji presented did not match any official records from the institutions he claimed to have attended.

Resignation Amid Mounting Pressure

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night. Nnaji reportedly told the president that he was “a target of blackmail by political opponents.”
Despite his resignation, Nnaji strongly denied the forgery accusations, insisting he had legitimately earned a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

University Denies Nnaji’s Academic Claims

In a sharp contrast to Nnaji’s statement, officials from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told Premium Times that there was no record confirming his graduation in 1985 as he claimed. According to a senior university official, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete his studies or receive any degree.

National Youth Service Certificate Under Scrutiny

The situation worsened after National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said the national service certificate Nnaji submitted in April 2023 could not be verified. In Nigeria, this certificate is mandatory for graduates seeking public office, making the allegations even more serious.

Political Opposition Demands Full Probe

Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation into the forgery allegations. Posting on X, Abubakar stated that Nnaji should have been “summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification,” adding that Nigerians “deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources.”

Rare Ministerial Exit in Nigerian Politics

The resignation of Nnaji is an uncommon event in Nigeria, where ministers are rarely removed or step down over scandals. He is only the second minister to leave office since President Tinubu assumed power in May 2023.
Earlier in January, former Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended following public uproar over a corruption scandal. She denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Historical Context of Ministerial Dismissals

Under Tinubu’s predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, only two ministers were dismissed during his eight-year tenure  underscoring how rare it is for Nigerian ministers to face consequences for allegations. Nnaji’s resignation, therefore, marks a significant moment in the country’s political accountability record.

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Public Reaction and Calls for Reform

Nigerians have taken to social media to express anger and frustration. Many citizens view the scandal as yet another example of weak vetting processes and lack of transparency in high-level government appointments. Civil society groups have since renewed their calls for stricter background checks and legal consequences for public office aspirants who submit falsified documents.

A Test of Tinubu’s Anti-Corruption Stance

The Nnaji scandal is also being closely watched as a test of President Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption and restoring public trust. Political analysts say how the government handles this case could shape perceptions of its integrity going forward.

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