Certificate Scandal: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Position

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By Odekunle Doyin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President approved Nnaji’s resignation and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Nnaji Cites Blackmail and Political Persecution

Mr. Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, attributing his decision to “sustained blackmail and political persecution.”

“I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,” he said in his resignation letter.

The former minister has faced weeks of public scrutiny after media reports and civic groups raised doubts about the authenticity of some certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening.

Despite denying any wrongdoing, pressure mounted from civil society organisations and opposition figures, urging the Presidency to suspend him pending investigation.

Alleged Certificate Forgery and Political Fallout

The controversy traces back nearly a year to reports alleging that Nnaji’s University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates were forged.

Although the university did not confirm the authenticity of the credentials, Nnaji insisted they were genuine and challenged the institution to publish his academic transcript.

He further accused the Enugu State Government—led by Governor Peter Mbah, whom he contested against in the 2023 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the allegations.

The Enugu State Government has denied any involvement.

First Ministerial Exit Over Certificate Scandal Under Tinubu

Nnaji’s resignation marks the first cabinet exit over a certificate-related scandal under the Tinubu administration.

Other departures from the Federal Executive Council have occurred under different circumstances, including that of Dr. Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, who stepped down amid a probe into alleged financial impropriety.

Until Monday evening, Nnaji had publicly defended himself, dismissing reports of forgery as politically motivated attacks.