Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Forged Certificate Scandal — Full Details of the Controversy That Forced His Exit
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from office following weeks of damaging revelations linking him to a forged university certificate scandal that rocked the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Presidency confirmed the resignation on Monday, October 7, 2025, ending days of speculation after mounting pressure from civil society groups and public outrage over the authenticity of his academic documents.
Background: How the Forgery Scandal Began
Headlineswave.ng had earlier reported that Minister Nnaji became the subject of controversy when investigative reports alleged that he forged his academic certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to qualify for public office.
Documents obtained from the university reportedly showed that the minister failed a final-year course (MCB 431 AB – Virology) and continued to correspond with the institution about re-sitting the exam months after the date he claimed to have graduated.
Further findings revealed inconsistencies between his alleged graduation date and the period stated on his NYSC discharge certificate, suggesting that his academic and service timelines did not align.
Despite attempts to defend his record, Nnaji later admitted that UNN never issued him a degree certificate, confirming suspicions that his credentials were not genuine.
Resignation Under Pressure
In his resignation letter addressed to President Tinubu, Nnaji claimed he had become a victim of political blackmail, insisting that his decision to step down was to protect the image of the administration.
“I have chosen to resign in order to avoid further distraction to the good work of this government,” he wrote.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the former minister’s service to the nation. The President is expected to announce a replacement soon.
Public Reactions and Political Fallout
The resignation sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria:
- Civic groups and opposition leaders hailed it as a small victory for accountability, urging the government to pursue legal action over the forgery allegations.
- Social media users called for a broader verification of credentials for all serving ministers and political appointees.
- Some supporters of the ruling APC, however, described the scandal as politically motivated, accusing opposition forces of orchestrating the exposé.
Analysts say the development could prompt renewed scrutiny of President Tinubu’s cabinet, many of whom were hurriedly screened during the early days of his administration.
Why This Matters
The Nnaji saga underscores Nigeria’s persistent struggle with integrity in public service. His resignation highlights major lapses in the vetting and confirmation processes that allowed questionable credentials to pass through Senate screening, security clearance, and presidential appointment procedures without red flags.
Observers insist that unless the government initiates a transparent investigation and sanctions offenders, the scandal will set another dangerous precedent — where resignation becomes a substitute for accountability.
Conclusion
The resignation of Uche Nnaji is more than a political scandal — it’s a moral test for Nigeria’s leadership. It shows, once again, that public trust cannot coexist with forged integrity.
What happens next — whether through investigation, prosecution, or silence — will define how seriously Nigeria treats corruption at the highest levels.
