Science Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns Amid Explosive Certificate Forgery Storm
Nigeria has once again been rocked by a political earthquake as Geoffrey Uchechukwu “Uche” Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology, tendered his resignation following damning allegations of certificate forgery. The development, which unfolded on October 7, 2025, has stirred outrage, controversy, and renewed debate about accountability in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This isn’t just another scandal—it’s a wake-up call for a nation where fake degrees and questionable credentials have become political weapons and symbols of systemic rot.
🔍 What Happened: Key Facts
1. Forgery Allegations Surface
Verified reports from Premium Times, The Cable, and The Times Nigeria revealed that Nnaji allegedly did not complete his degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), yet presented both a Bachelor of Science degree and an NYSC certificate as authentic.
UNN, responding to a Freedom of Information request, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted in 1981, there was no record of him graduating in 1985 as claimed.
👉 Source: The Cable
2. NYSC Certificate Also Questioned
Investigations revealed glaring inconsistencies in his NYSC discharge certificate, including incorrect fonts, invalid serial numbers, and mismatched signatures.
The NYSC reportedly disowned the document.
👉 Source: The Times Nigeria
3. Legal Maneuvers Begin
In a desperate move to shield himself, Nnaji filed a case at the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), seeking to restrain UNN from “tampering” with his academic records.
The court granted him partial relief—allowing access to his transcript but denying an injunction against the university.
👉 Source: Independent.ng
4. Tinubu Accepts Resignation
Faced with mounting evidence and public backlash, Nnaji stepped down voluntarily, saying he was a “victim of political blackmail.”
President Bola Tinubu accepted his resignation, emphasizing his government’s zero-tolerance stance on integrity issues.
👉 Source: Guardian Nigeria
🧭 Deep Dive: The Bigger Picture
The scandal cuts deeper than one man’s downfall—it exposes how fragile Nigeria’s vetting systems are.
Systemic Failure in Screening:
Ministerial nominees undergo DSS and Senate screening, yet forgeries still slip through. Critics say screenings have become political rituals rather than serious background checks.
Political Undercurrents:
Nnaji’s camp claims he’s being targeted by rivals in Enugu politics. Opposition figures, however, argue that this narrative is a smokescreen to distract from blatant fraud.
Public Outrage:
Nigerians online have flooded X (Twitter) with hashtags like #ForgeryGate, #ResignWithHonor, and #TinubuCabinetScandal, demanding full disclosure of all ministers’ credentials.
Institutional Accountability:
UNN and NYSC have set a bold precedent by publicly disowning questionable documents. Transparency advocates see this as a turning point for Nigerian academia.
⚖️ Implications Going Forward
1. Crackdown on Fake Certificates
Expect tougher screening laws for public officials and increased pressure on educational institutions to digitize alumni verification.
2. Political Fallout
Nnaji’s exit weakens Tinubu’s image of a “technocratic cabinet” and emboldens critics who claim corruption and deceit are still deeply rooted.
3. Possible Prosecution
Civil society organizations are now urging the EFCC and ICPC to open criminal investigations into forgery and perjury.
4. Public Pressure on Other Appointees
The case has reignited calls for a nationwide audit of political appointees’ academic records. Nigerians want transparency, not just resignation letters.
🗣️ Expert Reactions
SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project):
“Resignation is not justice. The law must take its full course. Nigeria cannot move forward if public office is built on forged documents.”
Civil Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong:
“Forgery of academic records is a criminal offense, not a political disagreement. Those involved must face prosecution, no matter their office.”
Student Union Representative, UNN:
“If the University of Nigeria’s name was used fraudulently, then justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
🎯 Conclusion
Uche Nnaji’s resignation is not just another political headline—it’s a mirror reflecting how deeply integrity has eroded in Nigeria’s leadership culture. Whether he’s guilty or not, the lesson is clear: public office is no longer a hiding place for falsified credentials.
For President Tinubu, this scandal is both a warning and an opportunity—clean up the system or risk losing public trust entirely.
The Nigerian people are watching, and this time, they’re not blinking. 👁️🇳🇬
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