Tinubu Minister Reaffirms UNN Degree Amid Certificate Forgery Allegations

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has denied reports questioning his academic qualifications, insisting that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, officially issued him a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1985.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji described the forgery allegations circulating in the media as false and politically motivated. He maintained that his records are properly documented in the university’s archives and reflected in its 1985 convocation brochure.

The controversy began after reports claimed Nnaji admitted in a court filing that he never received a certificate from the university. The reports cited a verifying affidavit in which Nnaji allegedly acknowledged not collecting his degree certificate despite completing his studies.

In response, Nnaji clarified that the university had already confirmed his graduation in an official letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Nnebedum. The letter reportedly confirmed that he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in July 1985 with Second Class Honours (Lower Division).

He questioned the credibility of another letter, dated May 2025, purportedly from the same university, which claimed that there was no record of his graduation. Nnaji suggested that political interference might have influenced the conflicting statements, pointing to recent leadership changes in the institution.

The minister also argued that, by academic convention, the Registrar is the lawful custodian of all academic records, not the Vice-Chancellor. He accused the university’s management of overstepping its authority by contradicting previously issued documents.

Nnaji’s legal team confirmed that he had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 to secure his academic records. The court reportedly granted an order restraining the university from tampering with his records and directing the release of his transcript.

Despite the legal and media battles, Nnaji maintained that the allegations were politically driven attempts to tarnish his reputation. He said the documents in his possession, along with court orders, prove the authenticity of his qualifications.

Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Nnaji said he remains focused on advancing the government’s science and technology agenda and would not be distracted by what he called “false narratives.” He urged the University of Nigeria to protect its integrity and distance itself from political interference.

He concluded that the truth about his academic history remains verifiable in the university’s official records and that the matter should be treated as a settled issue of fact and law.