Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Resigns Amid Academic Qualification Scandal
Akure 8th October 2025
Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has officially resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet following intense scrutiny over the authenticity of his academic qualifications. The resignation was confirmed late Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman.
The controversy erupted after an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate Nnaji presented. The university stated that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he never completed his studies nor was he ever awarded a degree.
Further compounding the issue, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also declared that the national service certificate allegedly held by Nnaji was unauthentic and could not be verified.
In a statement, Onanuga disclosed that Nnaji had tendered his resignation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which President Tinubu has accepted. The former minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and alleged that he had been subjected to political blackmail.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him,” Onanuga said. “Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.”
Nnaji was appointed minister in August 2023, serving just over two years before stepping down amid the storm. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
The resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to uphold accountability and integrity within the Federal Executive Council.
