The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has formally resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, following escalating allegations over the authenticity of his academic credentials.
In a statement issued through the Presidency, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the president accepted Nnaji’s resignation on Tuesday.
The minister’s departure marks a dramatic development in a saga that has dominated headlines and stirred debates on integrity in public office.
What Led to the Resignation
Forgery Allegations Surface
The storm began when investigative reports suggested that Nnaji did not complete his university studies and that both the degree and NYSC discharge certificate he presented during his ministerial screening were fraudulent.
University records emerged showing that Nnaji failed a virology course (MCB 431 AB) and sought permission to retake it years later—following the timeframe during which he claimed he had already graduated.
Further compounding scrutiny, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in response to a Freedom of Information request, reaffirmed that it never awarded Nnaji a degree.
Court Involvement and Public Pressure
Amid the growing uproar, Nnaji petitioned a Federal High Court to prevent UNN, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Senate from releasing his academic records.
The court declined the injunction, finding that the parties were within their rights to respond to the FOI request.
The public pressure intensified as civil society groups—such as CISLAC and Transparency International Nigeria—demanded his resignation or removal for what they described as breach of public trust.
Nnaji’s Defense and Resignation Statement
In responding to the uproar, Nnaji insisted that stepping down is not an admission of guilt but a measure to protect the integrity of due process.
He stated that after “deep reflection and consultations” with his family and well-meaning Nigerians, he tendered his resignation to forestall further distractions from the ministry’s work and the government’s agenda.
According to his letter, he had been the target of “sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks” that undermined both his reputation and public confidence.
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He also appealed to Nigeria to allow due process and insisted that “history will vindicate the just.” L
Presidential Response and Next Steps
President Tinubu, in accepting the resignation, thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in future endeavors.
The presidency has indicated that a successor will be named in due course to ensure the continuity of the ministry’s agenda on innovation and science.
Analysts believe this resignation underscores growing demand for accountability in public office — particularly in credential verification of cabinet appointees.
The timing — roughly halfway through Tinubu’s term — also raises questions about future vetting and governance reforms.
