BREAKING: Science Minister Geoffrey Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Forged Certificates Scandal

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations of forged university and NYSC certificates, in a development that has sent shockwaves through the federal cabinet.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally accepted Nnaji’s resignation on October 7, 2025, after multiple media investigations, including reports from Peoples Gazette and Premium Times, revealed inconsistencies in his academic and service credentials.

According to findings, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) confirmed that Nnaji did not graduate in 1985, as claimed in his records. Further scrutiny by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also determined that his NYSC certificate was inauthentic, raising serious questions about his eligibility for public office.

In his resignation letter, Nnaji described the allegations as “blackmail from political opponents,” but said he was stepping aside to avoid distracting the administration of President Tinubu.

The Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. The President thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, becomes the first cabinet minister to step down under Tinubu’s administration due to a credential forgery scandal. His resignation has reignited public debate on background checks and certificate verification for government officials, amid calls for a criminal investigation into the matter.

This latest controversy mirrors past instances where Nigerian officials were found to have falsified their academic or NYSC credentials — a recurring integrity challenge in the country’s governance landscape.