Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has officially resigned amid serious allegations regarding his academic qualifications. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, announced this significant development in a statement released late on Tuesday.
Nnaji is currently embroiled in controversy concerning the authenticity of his academic credentials. An investigation conducted by PREMIUM TIMES has revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate held by Nnaji, asserting that he did not complete his studies at the university and was never awarded any certificate.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, clarified that although Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he failed to graduate. Additionally, representatives from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) confirmed that the national service certificate presented by Nnaji was unfamiliar to them and could not be authenticated.
### President Accepts Resignation Amid Allegations
In a follow-up statement, Onanuga confirmed that Nnaji had resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He stated that President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation and wished Nnaji all the best in his future endeavours.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following serious allegations made against him,” Onanuga stated.
Nnaji, who was appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his resignation letter. He claimed to have been a victim of political blackmail orchestrated by his adversaries.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nnaji’s contributions during his tenure and extended his best wishes for Nnaji’s future, as confirmed by Onanuga.