Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Alleged Certificate Forgery — Full Timeline

The resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, on Monday marked the culmination of a months-long controversy over allegations that he forged his academic credentials.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had accepted Nnaji’s resignation, bringing an end to the prolonged scrutiny over the authenticity of his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

Below is a timeline of major events that led to his exit from the Federal Executive Council:

July 2023 — Allegations surface
Shortly after Nnaji’s ministerial nomination, reports emerged questioning the authenticity of his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

August 2023 — Senate screening and credential submission
During his screening before the Senate, Nnaji presented copies of his academic and NYSC certificates. The documents suggested he graduated in July 1985 and completed his national service in April of the same year — a sequence critics flagged as implausible.

May 2025 — UNN disowns Nnaji’s certificate
A letter from the UNN Registrar to the Public Complaints Commission stated that the university had no record of issuing a degree certificate to Nnaji in 1985. The disclosure fueled renewed calls for credential verification of public officeholders.

October 2, 2025 — UNN reaffirms stance
Responding to a Freedom of Information request, UNN Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya reiterated that Nnaji neither completed his studies nor received a degree from the institution in 1985.

October 4, 2025 — Records contradict graduation claim
Investigations by Premium Times revealed internal university documents indicating that Nnaji failed a virology course (MCB 431 AB) and requested permission in 1986 to retake the exam — evidence that contradicted his purported graduation timeline.

October 6, 2025 — Court rejects injunction
Nnaji sought a court injunction to prevent UNN, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Senate from releasing his academic records to the public. The court declined to grant the full request.

October 7, 2025 — Resignation under pressure
Amid growing public and civil society pressure, Nnaji tendered his resignation to President Tinubu. In his letter, he maintained his innocence, describing the allegations as “political blackmail.”

Confirming his departure, Onanuga stated that the President “commended him for taking a dignified step in the face of public scrutiny.”

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