Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following a swirling controversy over alleged certificate forgery linked to his academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Nnaji tendered his resignation to President Bola Tinubu late Tuesday, citing “personal reasons,” but presidency sources confirmed that mounting pressure from within the Federal Executive Council and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced his decision.
The scandal erupted last month after documents surfaced online suggesting discrepancies in Nnaji’s academic qualifications, particularly his university degree, which critics alleged was forged. Though Nnaji initially dismissed the claims as “politically motivated falsehood,” calls for his resignation grew louder as civil society groups and opposition figures demanded an independent probe.
A senior presidential aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the President had requested Nnaji to step aside “to preserve the integrity of the administration.”
Before his resignation, Nnaji, a businessman and former governorship candidate in Enugu State, maintained that he was a “victim of blackmail” and that his credentials were genuine. However, sources within the ministry hinted that an internal verification exercise ordered by the Office of the Head of Service reportedly uncovered inconsistencies.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is now expected to be overseen temporarily by the Minister of State, while the Presidency considers a substantive replacement.
Nnaji’s exit marks the first ministerial resignation in President Tinubu’s cabinet amid allegations of forgery or misconduct, raising questions about vetting processes and transparency in political appointments.
