Tinubu Accepts Minister Nnaji’s Resignation over Certificate Forgery Scandal
Korede Abdullah 
Uche Nnaji
LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, following mounting allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter to the President on Monday, citing “unrelenting blackmail” from political opponents. “I have been a target of false accusations, but I step aside to preserve the integrity of this administration,” he wrote.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu thanked Nnaji for his service and professionalism. “The President appreciates his contributions to national development and wishes him success in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
The controversy intensified after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, reportedly disowned the Bachelor of Science degree Nnaji claimed to hold, stating he neither completed his studies nor was issued a certificate.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also declared his service certificate unauthentic.
Since his nomination in July 2023, critics have questioned the authenticity of Nnaji’s academic credentials, urging the administration to uphold transparency.
His resignation marks the first ministerial exit from Tinubu’s cabinet over integrity concerns.
Allegations of certificate forgery have trailed Nnaji since his nomination in July 2023, with critics insisting that both his degree and NYSC certificates submitted to federal authorities were counterfeit.
About the Author
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness 
Juliet Jacob 