Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, Resigns Amid Certificate Forgery Allegations

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations of certificate forgery leveled against him.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the resignation in a statement issued yesterday, noting that the President has accepted Nnaji’s decision to step down.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu “accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following some allegations against him.” He added that Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, resigned in a letter expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

The former minister, in his resignation note, alleged that he had “been a target of blackmail by political opponents.” President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The controversy began after an online publication reported last week that Nnaji did not possess the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree he claimed. In response, Nnaji accused the Enugu State Government of orchestrating the allegations and alleged that the university’s Vice Chancellor was being used to validate the claims.

He subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting the court to compel the university to release his academic transcripts. The case, presided over by Justice Yilwa, has been adjourned to November 10.

The development has drawn strong reactions from political figures and parties. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its candidate screening process to prevent similar incidents. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also criticised President Tinubu for retaining Nnaji in his cabinet despite the serious allegations.