“FAKE DEGREE SCANDAL ROCKS NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT: MINISTER UCHE NNAJI’S CERTIFICATE EXPOSED AS FORGERY”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has officially disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate presented by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, declaring it fake. According to the university, Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree
Key Findings:
– Allegations of Certificate Forgery: Nnaji has faced allegations of certificate forgery since July 2023, when he was nominated for ministerial confirmation.
– UNN’s Investigation: The university investigated Nnaji’s credentials and found no record of his graduation in July 1985, as claimed on his certificate.
– NYSC Certificate Also Questioned: Nnaji’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate has also been disputed, with allegations of forgery and inconsistencies in the document.
– Inconsistencies in Nnaji’s Claims: Nnaji’s claims about his academic background and service have been inconsistent, with some documents suggesting he served for 13 months, contrary to the standard 12-month service period
Implications:
– Minister’s Integrity Under Scandal: The revelation raises questions about Nnaji’s integrity and credibility as a minister.
– Vetting Process Criticized: The incident highlights weaknesses in Nigeria’s vetting process for public officials.
– Calls for Resignation: Critics are calling for Nnaji’s resignation, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
In response to a Freedom of Information request by PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that although Mr. Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he failed to complete his programme and was never issued a certificate.
“We refer to your letter dated 29 September 2025 in respect of the above subject matter,” Mr. Ortuanya wrote in a letter dated October 2, 2025. “We can confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981.
“From every available records and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No. RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter (copy attached).”
The UNN’s declaration adds a new twist to the controversy surrounding Mr. Nnaji’s credentials, further intensifying questions over his eligibility to serve in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
SOURCE ==PREMIUM TIMES ==EXCEPT THE HEADLINE AND INTRO PLUS A FEW PARAGRAPHS
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