The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet following allegations of certificate forgery.
His resignation was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Nnaji, who was appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023, tendered his resignation letter on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the nation. He, however, alleged that he had been a target of political blackmail.
President Tinubu, in accepting his resignation, commended Nnaji for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The resignation comes amid growing controversy over the authenticity of the minister’s academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.
According to a two-year investigation by Premium Times, Nnaji allegedly forged the credentials he presented to the Presidency and the Senate during his ministerial screening. While he claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1975, the institution reportedly denied awarding him any degree.
The report quoted the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, as confirming that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never issued a certificate.
Similarly, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) authorities were said to have disowned the discharge certificate presented by Nnaji, describing it as “strange” and unauthentic.
The embattled minister has, however, maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations were politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.
