The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid ongoing controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.
He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation follows a deepening scandal involving alleged forgery of his academic and NYSC credentials. The spotlight had turned to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Nnaji claimed to have earned a degree, claims the university reportedly could not verify.
The controversy escalated when the Federal High Court in Enugu denied Nnaji’s application to restrain UNN from releasing his academic records. The court ruled that the institution acted within its rights to disclose the information in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request—further fueling public scrutiny.
Nnaji has consistently denied any wrongdoing, blaming the allegations on political blackmail by opponents determined to damage his reputation.
The Enugu State Government has also been drawn into the dispute, trading accusations with the now-former minister over the authenticity of his documents.
As of now, no replacement has been announced for the vacated ministerial post.
Details later…
