Atiku Calls For Probe Into Tinubu And Ministers’ Certificates

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation into the academic and professional certificates of President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet members.

Atiku made the demand on Wednesday through a statement shared on his official X handle. His call followed the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who stepped down after reports alleged that he forged his university and NYSC certificates.

An investigation by Premium Times had claimed Nnaji did not complete his university education, yet presented forged documents during his ministerial screening. The development triggered public anger and raised questions about the government’s vetting process for political appointees.

In his statement titled Forgery as State Policy: Tinubu, His Cabinet, and the DSS Must Be Held Accountable, Atiku described Nnaji’s resignation as a weak attempt to cover up what he called a national embarrassment.

He criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for clearing Nnaji during the screening process, accusing the agency of negligence and failure to uphold due diligence. According to him, allowing Nnaji to resign quietly instead of being prosecuted shows the administration’s disregard for integrity and accountability.

Atiku also linked the incident to what he called a wider pattern of dishonesty within the Tinubu government. He referenced past controversies surrounding the President’s identity and educational background, including disputes related to his records at Chicago State University.

He said the situation reflected a deeper moral problem in governance, where lack of transparency and credibility had become the norm.

Atiku urged that a transparent and independent panel be set up to review the certificates of all cabinet members, starting with the President. He said Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those managing the country’s affairs.

He warned that without such accountability, Nigeria risks deeper moral decay, loss of public trust, and further embarrassment before the international community.