Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has reacted to allegations that he forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), describing the reports as misleading and malicious.
An investigative report by Premium Times had alleged that the minister’s university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates were forged, citing official denials from both institutions. According to the report, UNN and the NYSC claimed they had no record of issuing the certificates being paraded by the minister.
However, in a verifying affidavit filed before a Federal High Court, Nnaji admitted that although he was admitted into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry, he had not been issued a degree certificate by the university.
He explained that the university’s Vice Chancellor and Registrar had allegedly refused to release his certificate and academic transcript despite repeated requests. Nnaji maintained that he completed his studies and graduated in July 1985, insisting that the fault lies with the institution’s “non-cooperative attitude” in processing his documents.
The minister, through the court action, is seeking an order of mandamus compelling UNN to release his certificate and academic transcript, as well as an injunction restraining the university from altering his academic records.
Meanwhile, UNN authorities have maintained that while Nnaji was indeed admitted into the university in 1981, there is no record that he completed his studies or graduated, adding that the institution could not have issued any degree certificate in his name.
Similarly, the NYSC has reportedly denied issuing the certificate attributed to the minister.
The controversy has drawn public attention to issues of documentation and verification in public appointments, especially as Nnaji currently serves in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology had issued an official statement on the matter.
