Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has resigned following allegations of academic credential forgery. This decision comes shortly after a newspaper investigation claimed that Nnaji submitted falsified certificates during his ministerial appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
The resignation was confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who cited Nnaji’s claim of being a target of political blackmail. Nnaji has reiterated that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry and denied the forgery allegations.
The claims of forgery have drawn significant attention, stemming from a two-year investigation by the Premium Times newspaper. Recently, UNN reported that it has no records confirming Nnaji’s graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985, as he had asserted. A senior official at the university stated that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete his studies or receive a degree. Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) indicated that the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji in April 2023 could not be verified.
Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent and transparent investigation, suggesting that Nnaji should have faced more severe consequences for allegedly deceiving authorities. Abubakar emphasized the need for Nigerians to be aware of the qualifications of those in leadership positions.
In the context of ministerial removals, Nnaji’s resignation is noteworthy, as it marks only the second departure of a minister under President Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023. The previous minister to leave was Betta Edu, who was suspended in January 2023 amid allegations of corruption.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2p8x010d0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss