President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
It followed allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President approved Nnaji’s resignation.
Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, attributing his resignation to “sustained blackmail and political persecution.”
“I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,” he stated.
The former minister came under public scrutiny in recent weeks after reports questioned the authenticity of some certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening.
Despite repeatedly denying wrongdoing, civic groups and political figures called for his suspension pending investigation.
Onanuga said the President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.
Nnaji’s exit marks the first ministerial resignation over a certificate-related controversy in the Tinubu Administration.
Other ministers had left the Tinubu Administration under different circumstances.
Among them was ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Betta Edu, who left under a cloud of financial impropriety.
Nobody saw Nnaji’s resignation coming because up till last night, he defended himself against allegations that his University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka and the National Youth Corps certificates were forged.
Nearly one year ago, a newspaper broke the story of his fake university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
While the university could not confirm the authenticity of Nnaji’s certificate, he challenged them to publish his transcript.
He also accused the Enugu State Government of being behind the strident attacks on him over the issue.
But the government of his home state denied it all.
Nnaji contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State against Governor Peter Nmba. He ran on the ticket of the APC.
Minister insists he graduated from UNN
Nnaji maintained that he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji’s aide, Robert Ngwu, presented pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure showing Nnaji’s name and photograph.
“He is a proud alumnus of UNN, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Lower Division),” he said.
“This remains the university’s official position — properly stamped and valid,” he said.
He questioned the motive behind a subsequent letter, dated May 2025, allegedly denying Nnaji’s records.
“What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change of leadership at UNN?” Ngwu asked.
He claimed that attempts within the university to tamper with the minister’s file prompted a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ngwu accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, of fuelling “politically motivated media attacks” rather than complying with the court’s directive.
He alleged that the controversy was a “coordinated attempt” to smear Nnaji and weaken his political influence in Enugu State.
“This is not about education or integrity — it’s about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” Ngwu said.
“UNN must restore its integrity by distancing itself from politics. The minister will not be distracted by propaganda.”
Enugu govt: Minister must clear his name
The Enugu State Government distanced itself from the controversy, dismissing claims that it sponsored the allegations against Nnaji.
The state government, through its Director of Information, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, denied the accusation, urging Nnaji to “carry his own cross and clear his name.”
“The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations.
“The Honourable Minister must clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,” Nebo stated.
Court adjourns till November 10
At the hearing of Nnaji’s suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), his lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), told the court that all parties had been served.
He accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor of writing to an online newspaper after being served, leading to the publication of a “damaging and prejudicial” story.
“The publication titled ‘Investigation: The Serial Certificate Forger in Tinubu’s Cabinet’ was made after the defendants were served, contrary to the rule that all parties must maintain the status quo,” Hon said.
He informed the court of plans to file additional processes on the new development.
Counsel to the university, Mr. E.M. Asogwa, denied the claim but assured the court that his clients would maintain the status quo pending the hearing.
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Justice Yilwa adjourned till November 10.
