Science minister resigns over certificate forgery allegation

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned following allegations that he forged his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu has accepted the minister’s resignation.

The resignation came after reports surfaced that the minister’s academic and service records could not be verified. Nnaji had claimed to be a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), but findings from a detailed investigation suggested otherwise.

According to a two-year investigation by Premium Times, the certificates Nnaji submitted to both President Tinubu and the National Assembly during his ministerial screening in 2023 contained inconsistencies. UNN officials reportedly said the minister was admitted in 1981 but never completed his studies, contrary to his claim that he graduated in 1985.

Similarly, the NYSC authorities reportedly said the discharge certificate he presented could not be authenticated, describing it as “strange” to their records.The revelations sparked widespread criticism and calls for his resignation from civil society groups and opposition politicians, who argued that such allegations undermine public trust and the integrity of government institutions.Before his resignation, Nnaji had denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his documents were genuine. However, mounting public pressure and growing questions around his credentials left his position increasingly untenable.

Nnaji, a businessman and politician from Enugu State, was appointed in August 2023 as part of President Tinubu’s first cabinet.

His appointment was initially praised as a move to strengthen Nigeria’s science and innovation drive, particularly in local technology development and research funding.

However, the controversy overshadowed his tenure, drawing renewed attention to Nigeria’s recurring problem of certificate fraud among public officials.

While accepting his resignation, the Presidency thanked Nnaji for his service and said a replacement would be announced in due course.

The case has again raised concerns about the screening process for public appointments and the effectiveness of background checks. Analysts say the scandal should prompt the federal government to tighten verification systems for academic and professional credentials.

This is not the first time a senior government official has faced allegations of certificate forgery in Nigeria.

Over the years, similar controversies have rocked the political space, fueling debates about ethics and transparency in public service.

With Nnaji’s resignation, the Tinubu administration faces pressure to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence as investigations into the alleged forgery continue.