In a developing scandal that could rock President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been accused of submitting forged academic credentials during his nomination process. The allegations, first raised in May 2025, resurfaced with a damning confirmation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), casting serious doubts on Nnaji’s qualifications for the role.
Nnaji, whose full name is Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, hails from Enugu State and was among 45 ministerial nominees submitted by President Tinubu on July 7, 2023. He was screened and confirmed by the Senate on August 7, 2023, to lead the newly created Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Records show Nnaji was admitted to UNN in 1981 under Matriculation Number 1981/30725, but critics allege he never graduated and that the Bachelor of Science degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he provided—to the presidency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate—are counterfeit.
The university’s stance was unequivocal in a letter dated October 2, 2025, from Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon U. Oluwanya, responding to a September 29 inquiry. The document states: “From every available records and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji… graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study… The University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate… in July 1985.” This echoes an earlier UNN response dated May 13, 2025, sent to the Public Complaints Commission.
The controversy, first reported by PREMIUM TIMES, highlights potential lapses in the federal government’s vetting procedures for high-level appointees. As of October 4, 2025, Nnaji has not issued a public response to the allegations, leaving questions hanging about the future of his tenure amid calls for accountability and possible investigations.
