The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations of certificate forgery surrounding his academic qualifications.
His resignation was confirmed in an official statement today (Tuesday) by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement read in part: “President Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.”
Onanuga explained that Nnaji, who was appointed to the federal cabinet in August 2023, tendered his resignation letter earlier today, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.
The Statement also noted that, Nnaji reportedly claimed he had “been a target of blackmail by political opponents.”
Onanuga further conveyed the President’s appreciation on the former Minister’s service while in office, and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The resignation follows a damning investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate being paraded by Nnaji.
According to the report, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted into the university in 1981, he neither completed his studies nor was he awarded any degree.
The investigation further uncovered that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) could not verify the authenticity of the certificate of national service purportedly issued to Nnaji, describing it as “strange” and unauthenticated.
With his resignation, President Tinubu is expected to announce a replacement for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology portfolio in the coming days.
