Pressure is building on President Bola Tinubu to address the growing certificate forgery scandal surrounding Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, following reports that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have disowned the certificates he presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.
According to reports, a letter dated October 2, 2025, from UNN indicated that there was no record showing Nnaji graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology, as he claimed.
In his response, Nnaji dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, accusing an unnamed Enugu State governor of orchestrating a smear campaign to destroy his image ahead of the 2027 elections. He referenced a December 2023 confirmation letter from UNN verifying his graduation, alleging that the new document was forged to tarnish his reputation.
However, legal experts and civic groups have urged the president to act decisively. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) such as Seyi Sowemimo and Konyinsola Ajayi insisted that if proven guilty, Nnaji should be removed from office immediately to uphold integrity in governance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also criticized Tinubu for retaining Nnaji, arguing that a ministry built on innovation and research should not be headed by someone accused of academic fraud.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, condemned the widespread tolerance for forgery in public service, noting that such dishonesty from leaders corrupts the moral fabric of the nation.
Similarly, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights advocate, described Nnaji’s alleged forgery as “a needless act of deceit,” emphasizing that the law does not mandate a degree for ministerial appointment.
Meanwhile, Nnaji has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, in case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, suing UNN, the Minister of Education, and others. The court has adjourned the matter to November 10, 2025.
Rights group HURIWA has urged President Tinubu to suspend Nnaji and all ministers facing corruption or forgery allegations, stressing that silence on the matter undermines Nigeria’s fight for accountability and transparency.
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