Certificate Forgery: Why I Resigned – Tinubu’s Minister

ABUJA – Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has resigned from his position as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, citing a sustained campaign of “falsehood” and “malicious attacks” against his person and integrity as the primary reason for his decision.

In a press release issued on October 7, 2025, the former minister stated that his resignation, tendered to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a “principled decision” taken after deep reflection and consultations. He emphasized that the step was not an admission of guilt but was necessary to prevent the allegations from distracting from the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“This decision did not come lightly,” Nnaji stated. “Over the past week, an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office… These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry.”

The allegations in question, widely reported by an online publication, concern the authenticity of the minister’s first degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The report claimed he did not possess the degree he paraded.

In his statement, Nnaji framed his resignation as a move to “respect the sanctity of due process” and preserve the integrity of the ongoing judicial proceedings he has initiated. He has taken the matter to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the university to release his academic transcripts. The case has been adjourned to November 10 by Justice Yilwa.

Confirming the development, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation. He further quoted the former minister as saying he had “been a target of blackmail by political opponents.”

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours,” Onanuga added.

In his farewell, Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged his continued support for the administration’s vision of a “technologically driven Nigeria.”

He concluded on a defiant note, writing, “In the end, Justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”