NIGERIA’S MINISTER Of Innovation, Science, And Technology, Uche Nnaji, Has Resigned Following Allegations That He Forged His University Certificates. The Scandal Erupted After An Investigative Report Claimed He Submitted Fake Documents To President Bola Tinubu During His Ministerial Appointment In 2023.
Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga Confirmed Nnaji’s Resignation On X (Formerly Twitter) On Tuesday, Quoting The Minister As Saying He Had Become “A Target Of Political Opponents.” Despite Stepping Down, Nnaji Strongly Denied The Forgery Claims, Insisting He Graduated From The University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) With A Degree In Microbiology And Biochemistry.
The Controversy Follows A Two-Year Investigation By Premium Times, Which Reported That UNN Could Not Verify Nnaji’s Alleged 1985 Degree. A Senior University Official Told The Paper That While Nnaji Enrolled In 1981, He Neither Completed His Studies Nor Received Any Certificate.
Opposition Leader Atiku Abubakar Has Called For An Independent Probe, Arguing That Nnaji Should Face Prosecution For Fraud If Found Guilty. The Allegations Have Reignited Debates On Corruption And Accountability Within Nigeria’s Government.
Nnaji Becomes Only The Second Minister To Leave Office Since Tinubu Took Power In May 2023. Earlier This Year, Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu Was Suspended Amid A Corruption Scandal A Rare Move In A Country Where Cabinet Dismissals Remain Uncommon.