Shocking Turn in Tinubu’s Cabinet: Minister Uche Nnaji Steps Down Over Fake Certificate Allegation
Shocking Turn in Tinubu’s Cabinet: Minister Uche Nnaji Steps Down Over Fake Certificate Allegation
In a dramatic twist that has jolted Nigeria’s political landscape, Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet following damning allegations over his academic qualifications.
The resignation comes after a detailed investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) had disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate presented by Nnaji. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that while Nnaji gained admission in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
The situation worsened when the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also denied the authenticity of the national service certificate Nnaji had been parading, describing it as “strange and unrecognized” within its records.
Reacting to the growing scandal, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced on Tuesday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had accepted Nnaji’s resignation, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following allegations regarding his academic qualifications,” Onanuga said.
According to the statement, Nnaji tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the President, thanking him for the opportunity to serve while claiming he had been a target of political blackmail by opponents seeking to tarnish his image.
Despite Nnaji’s defence, the scandal has stirred widespread debate across the country, especially within academic and political circles. Many observers see the development as a test of Tinubu’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability within his administration.
The certificate forgery scandal adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding public officials in Nigeria, reigniting public concern over the credibility of political appointees and the authenticity of their academic claims.
For now, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology remains without a substantive minister, as Nigerians await President Tinubu’s decision on who will succeed Nnaji in one of the country’s most strategic ministries.
Source: Daily Trust / Premium Times
Tags: #UcheNnaji #TinubuCabinet #CertificateForgery #NigeriaPolitics #DrOdimientimiAgbedeyi #GlobalEgberiMedia
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