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 development in a statement yesterday, announcing that the President has accepted the minister’s resignation.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu “accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023. He resigned today (yesterday) in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.”
Nnaji, in his resignation letter, claimed he had been the target of political blackmail. The President, in response, thanked him for his service and wished him success in future endeavors.
The controversy erupted after an online report alleged that Nnaji did not possess the degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) which he claimed to hold. The minister accused the Enugu State Government of orchestrating the allegations and alleged that the university’s vice chancellor was being used to tarnish his image.
In response, Nnaji approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to compel UNN to release his transcripts. Justice Yilwa adjourned the case to November 10.
The scandal has since drawn national attention. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its screening of political candidates, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized President Tinubu for retaining Nnaji in office despite the weighty accusations.
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