Nigeria’s Science and Technology minister resigns over certificate forgery allegations

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has stepped down from his position following allegations that he forged his academic qualifications submitted during his appointment process.

The resignation comes just days after an investigative report by the Premium Times claimed that Nnaji had presented falsified university and service certificates to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his vetting in 2023.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the minister’s resignation in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night, quoting Nnaji as saying he had been the “target of political blackmail”.

Nnaji, however, vehemently denied the accusations, maintaining that he earned a degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The controversy intensified after the UNN reportedly told Premium Times that no records existed to verify Nnaji’s graduation in 1985, contrary to his claims. According to a senior university official cited in the report, while Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies or receive a certificate.

Further doubts were raised when the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disclosed that the national service certificate Nnaji presented in April 2023 could not be authenticated.

The alleged forgery has triggered public backlash across Nigeria, with many citizens calling for greater accountability in government appointments.

Nnaji becomes only the second cabinet member to exit office since President Tinubu assumed power in May 2023. Earlier this year, Betta Edu, then Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended over corruption allegations—charges she has since denied.

Observers note that such ministerial exits remain rare in Nigeria’s political landscape; during his eight-year tenure, former President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed only two ministers from office.