President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly summoned the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, following growing allegations that he forged his university certificates.
The claim was made by Jackson Ude, a former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who disclosed the development in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Ude alleged that President Tinubu called the Minister to the Presidential Villa to address the controversy surrounding his academic qualifications.
According to Ude, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has summoned Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over allegations that he forged his university certificates.”
Report exposes alleged forgery
The controversy began after an investigative report by Premium Times alleged that Chief Nnaji did not graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as claimed in his official records.
The newspaper reported that the Minister presented certificates purportedly obtained from UNN to qualify for his ministerial appointment.
In his public profile and official documents, Chief Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. However, findings by Premium Times suggested otherwise.
The report stated that Nnaji had failed a core course — Virology — in 1985 and was required to retake it in 1986. This, according to the publication, made it impossible for him to have legitimately graduated in 1985.
Tinubu reportedly seeks clarification
Sources close to the Presidency reportedly confirmed that the issue had drawn the attention of President Tinubu, who requested that the Minister appear at the State House to clarify the discrepancies in his academic history.
At the time of filing this report, Ude claimed that Chief Nnaji was still at the Presidential Villa, meeting with senior aides to explain the situation.
The scandal adds to the list of controversies surrounding the academic qualifications of several public officials in recent years, raising questions about integrity and transparency in government appointments.
