Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned following allegations that he forged the academic certificates he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his confirmation.
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Nnaji, who was appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023, has been at the centre of controversy after an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed he did not complete his university education. The report alleged that both his Bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate were forged and submitted to multiple government offices, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Senate.
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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement on Tuesday. He said the President has accepted the resignation and appreciated the former minister for his service.
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria,” Onanuga stated. “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.”
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Before his resignation, Nnaji suffered a legal setback after a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his attempt to stop the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records.
Justice Hausa Yilwa, who delivered the ruling on September 22, refused Nnaji’s request for an injunction, saying the university had a lawful right to release the documents.
“I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter, and the application is partly meritorious. Accordingly, prayers 1, 2 and 3 are granted, while prayer 4, which sought an injunction, is declined,” the ruling read.
The judgment cleared the way for UNN to release Nnaji’s records, further deepening the controversy that ultimately led to his exit from office.
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