By George Ozalla
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uchechukwu Nnaji, has resigned from office following mounting allegations of certificate forgery that have stirred controversy within government circles.
His resignation, which took effect on Tuesday, was confirmed through a statement from the Presidency. According to the release, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation and commended him for the period he served the nation, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
The development follows growing public outcry over reports alleging that the minister submitted forged academic credentials and a questionable National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his screening process. Court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly indicated that Nnaji was never issued a degree certificate by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka — the institution he had claimed as his alma mater.
Investigations by several media outlets revealed inconsistencies in the documents attached to his ministerial nomination, prompting widespread calls for his resignation.
Sources close to the former minister disclosed that Nnaji, in his resignation letter, maintained his innocence and alleged that he had become a victim of political blackmail orchestrated by his opponents.
Chief Uche Nnaji, a prominent political figure from Enugu State and former governorship candidate, was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023. His exit marks the first major ministerial resignation in President Tinubu’s administration over an integrity-related scandal.
Investigations into the forgery allegations is expected to continue.
