In a development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The resignation, announced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, follows mounting allegations of certificate forgery concerning Nnaji’s academic qualifications and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials. The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability, as stated by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The announcement, detailed in a press statement from the Presidency, highlighted that President Tinubu’s acceptance of Nnaji’s resignation was made “after due consideration of the weight of the allegations and in the interest of accountability and good governance.” The move has sparked widespread debate about the vetting processes for public officeholders in Nigeria and the broader implications for the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption stance.
The Allegations: A Deepening Controversy
Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji’s resignation comes in the wake of intense public scrutiny over claims that his academic and NYSC credentials were falsified. The allegations first surfaced shortly after his nomination as a minister in July 2023, when he was among the initial batch of 28 ministerial nominees forwarded to the Nigerian Senate for screening. At the time, civil society organizations and transparency advocates raised concerns about discrepancies in the documents Nnaji submitted to support his qualifications.
According to a comprehensive two-year investigative report published by a prominent national daily, Nnaji allegedly forged both his bachelor’s degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his NYSC discharge certificate. The report claimed that Nnaji had asserted he graduated from UNN in 1975 with a degree, but the institution could not verify the authenticity of his qualification. Sources within UNN, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted to the university in 1981, he did not complete his academic program and was never awarded a degree.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, was quoted in the investigative report as saying, “The university’s records show that Mr. Nnaji did not graduate, and no degree certificate was issued in his name.” This revelation cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of the academic credentials Nnaji presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Further compounding the controversy, NYSC officials reportedly described Nnaji’s discharge certificate as “strange to the system” and untraceable in official records. The NYSC, a mandatory one-year national service program for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, maintains a robust database of participants. The inability to verify Nnaji’s certificate raised questions about whether he had ever participated in the program or if the document was fabricated.
The Investigation: Unraveling the Truth
The allegations against Nnaji were brought to public attention through the investigative efforts of a national daily, which spent two years scrutinizing the minister’s credentials. The report, described as meticulous and thorough, relied on interviews with university officials, NYSC administrators, and other relevant stakeholders. It also included an analysis of documents submitted by Nnaji during his Senate screening, which were compared against official records from UNN and the NYSC.
The investigation revealed a pattern of inconsistencies in Nnaji’s claims. For instance, while Nnaji stated that he graduated from UNN in 1975, records showed that he was only admitted in 1981, six years later. Moreover, the degree certificate he presented bore irregularities, including formatting and serial number discrepancies, that suggested it was not issued by the university. Similarly, the NYSC discharge certificate lacked the standard security features and batch numbers that are typically associated with authentic documents issued by the corps.
The exposé prompted widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning how such discrepancies could have gone unnoticed during the Senate’s screening process. Critics argued that the incident highlighted systemic flaws in Nigeria’s vetting mechanisms for public officeholders, particularly for high-profile positions like ministerial roles.
Nnaji’s Ministerial Journey and the Fallout
Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji’s appointment as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology in 2023 was initially seen as a strategic move by President Tinubu to bolster Nigeria’s technological and scientific advancement. The ministry, tasked with driving innovation and research to support economic growth, was considered a critical component of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. Nnaji, who presented himself as a seasoned academic and professional, was expected to bring expertise and vision to the role.
However, the allegations of certificate forgery quickly overshadowed his tenure. From the moment his nomination was announced, whispers of irregularities in his credentials began to circulate. Civil society groups, including the Coalition for Transparency in Governance and the Nigerians for Ethical Leadership, called for a thorough investigation into Nnaji’s qualifications. These groups argued that allowing individuals with questionable credentials to hold high office undermined public trust in governance.
During his Senate screening in July 2023, Nnaji faced tough questions about his academic and professional background. At the time, he defended his credentials, insisting that his degree from UNN and his NYSC certificate were authentic. However, the investigative report published in 2025 provided compelling evidence to the contrary, intensifying calls for his resignation.
The controversy also reignited debates about the integrity of Nigeria’s political class. Certificate forgery scandals have plagued the country’s public sector for decades, with several high-profile figures, including lawmakers and governors, facing similar allegations. The Nnaji case, however, stood out due to the prominence of his position and the detailed nature of the evidence against him.
The Resignation: A Step Toward Accountability?
On October 7, 2025, Dr. Nnaji tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to President Tinubu. In the letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a minister and stated that his decision to step down was made “in the best interest of the government and the Nigerian people.” While Nnaji did not explicitly admit to the allegations of forgery, his resignation was widely interpreted as an acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.
The Presidency’s swift acceptance of the resignation signaled President Tinubu’s intent to address the scandal decisively. In the statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the administration reiterated its commitment to integrity and transparency, emphasizing that public officials are expected to “maintain the highest ethical and moral standards in the service of the nation.”
Following Nnaji’s resignation, President Tinubu reportedly directed that an acting minister be appointed to oversee the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. This interim measure is intended to ensure continuity in the ministry’s operations while the allegations against Nnaji are further investigated. Sources within the Presidency indicated that a comprehensive review of the vetting processes for ministerial nominees may also be underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Broader Implications for Governance
The Nnaji scandal has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and governance systems. At its core, the controversy raises critical questions about the mechanisms in place to verify the credentials of public officeholders. The fact that Nnaji was able to pass through the Senate’s screening process despite the alleged discrepancies in his documents has fueled calls for reforms in the vetting system.
Transparency advocates argue that the incident underscores the need for a centralized, digital database of academic and professional credentials that can be easily accessed by government agencies and institutions. Such a system, they contend, would reduce the risk of forgery and ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed to public office.
The scandal also highlights the role of investigative journalism in holding public officials accountable. The national daily’s two-year investigation into Nnaji’s credentials demonstrated the importance of a free and independent press in uncovering malfeasance. Media organizations and civil society groups have since called for greater protections for journalists and whistleblowers who expose corruption and fraud in government.
Public Reaction and Political Ramifications
The public response to Nnaji’s resignation has been mixed. While some Nigerians have praised President Tinubu for taking decisive action, others have criticized the administration for allowing Nnaji to be appointed in the first place. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with discussions about the scandal, with hashtags such as #CertificateForgery and #NnajiResigns trending in Nigeria.
Many citizens have expressed frustration with the recurring issue of certificate forgery among public officials. “This is not the first time we’ve seen this kind of scandal, and it won’t be the last unless something is done about the system,” said Chinedu Okeke, a Lagos-based lawyer. “The government needs to take responsibility for ensuring that only credible people are appointed to these positions.”
Politically, the scandal could pose challenges for President Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to prioritize good governance and anti-corruption efforts. While the President’s swift response to the allegations may bolster his credibility among some voters, critics argue that the incident reflects poorly on the administration’s ability to vet its appointees effectively.
The Road Ahead
As the dust settles on Dr. Nnaji’s resignation, attention is now turning to the next steps for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The appointment of an acting minister is expected to provide temporary stability, but the Tinubu administration will face pressure to select a permanent replacement who is both qualified and free of controversy.
Moreover, the Nnaji case is likely to prompt broader discussions about accountability and transparency in Nigerian governance. Civil society groups have already called for a public inquiry into the vetting processes for ministerial nominees, as well as stricter penalties for individuals found guilty of certificate forgery.
For President Tinubu, the scandal represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By addressing the issue head-on and implementing reforms to strengthen the vetting system, the administration could demonstrate its commitment to ethical governance. However, failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to uphold integrity.
Conclusion
The resignation of Dr. Uche Geoffrey Nnaji as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing struggle with issues of accountability and transparency. The allegations of certificate forgery that led to his departure have exposed deep flaws in the vetting processes for public officeholders and reignited debates about the integrity of Nigeria’s political class.
As President Tinubu navigates the fallout from this scandal, his administration faces the dual task of restoring public confidence and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. For now, the appointment of an acting minister and the promise of further investigations signal a commitment to addressing the issue. However, the true test of the administration’s resolve will lie in its ability to implement meaningful reforms that prevent future controversies and uphold the principles of good governance.
The Nnaji saga serves as a stark reminder that public service is a privilege that demands the highest standards of integrity. As Nigerians await the next chapter in this unfolding story, the hope is that lessons learned from this scandal will pave the way for a more transparent and accountable government.
