Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, has officially resigned following serious allegations of certificate forgery. The resignation was confirmed by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga on October 7, 2025, after a two-year investigative report revealed that Nnaji’s academic credentials were falsified.
Investigations by PREMIUM TIMES uncovered that Nnaji never completed his university education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he gained admission in 1981 to study microbiology/biochemistry. Evidence showed that he dropped out without obtaining a degree, contradicting his submitted bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. Both documents, which he presented during the ministerial approval process, were determined to be forged.
Despite denials and claims by Nnaji’s spokesperson that he graduated in 1985, further official correspondence from the UNN confirmed he had unfinished coursework critical to graduation. The contradictions and discrepancies raised significant doubts about the authenticity of his qualifications and how he cleared security and senate vetting processes.
The scandal sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from civil society organizations, including the Global Gender Safety & Moral Development (GGSMD), which demanded his immediate resignation and a transparent investigation. They criticized the apparent lapses in the verification system that allowed forged certificates to pass official scrutiny.
Nnaji’s resignation letter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and cited being a target of political blackmail as part of the pressures leading to his decision to step down. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation, thanking Nnaji for his service and wishing him well in future endeavors.
This high-profile resignation adds to ongoing concerns about certificate forgery and the integrity of public office appointments in Nigeria. It also highlights the challenges in curbing corruption and enforcing accountability within the government and security screening agencies.
The incident has reignited calls for thorough reforms in recruitment and vetting processes, emphasizing transparency and strict adherence to qualification verification to restore public confidence in leadership appointments.
As the ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology awaits a replacement, the government faces pressure to ensure that future appointments meet the highest standards of honesty and professionalism to sustain Nigeria’s developmental ambitions.