Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has resigned from office over allegations of possessing a fake academic certificate.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this in a statement late Tuesday.
Nnaji recently came under scrutiny over his academic qualifications following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), reportedly disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in his possession, stating that the politician neither completed his studies at the institution nor was ever issued a degree.
According to the report, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, revealed that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a certificate.
Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) confirmed that the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji was “strange” to the agency and could not be authenticated.
In the official statement, Onanuga said:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.
President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023. He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.
Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.
President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”