President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following mounting allegations over the authenticity of his academic credentials.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation amid intense public scrutiny and pressure from civic groups. In a letter made public, he blamed “sustained blackmail and political persecution”, claiming political rivals had targeted him.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the President’s acceptance of the resignation and thanked Nnaji for his service.
Nnaji, a former APC governorship candidate in Enugu State, has consistently denied forging his University of Nigeria (UNN) or National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. However, conflicting letters from UNN, including one allegedly denying his academic records, raised fresh doubts.
At a press conference, his aide Robert Ngwu presented evidence including a 1985 convocation brochure and a letter from UNN (dated December 2023) confirming Nnaji’s graduation. Ngwu questioned a subsequent May 2025 letter from the university allegedly discrediting the records, hinting at political interference by UNN’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya.
Nnaji has filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing UNN of acting in bad faith. The court has adjourned the matter to November 10, pending further submissions.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government denied involvement in the scandal, insisting Nnaji must “clear his name” without implicating the state.
Nnaji becomes the first Tinubu-era minister to resign over certificate forgery allegations. His resignation follows that of Dr. Betta Edu, who stepped down earlier in the year amid financial misconduct claims.