In brief
Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in Nigeria, has resigned after allegations surfaced that he submitted falsified academic credentials when appointed in 2023. The allegations arose from a newspaper investigation that reported Nnaji had not graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, despite claiming to possess a Bachelor of Science degree. Nnaji has denied the claims, asserting he has been targeted by political opponents. His resignation marks the second ministerial exit in the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji has resigned just days after allegations emerged that he had forged his academic credentials.
The resignation follows a newspaper investigation that claimed Nnaji submitted falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial appointment in 2023.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji's resignation in a post on X, quoting the minister as saying he had been a target of blackmail by political opponents.
Nnaji has denied the accusations of forgery and insisted that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry.
The forgery allegations have sparked outrage among some Nigerians, following a two-year investigation by the Premium Times newspaper.
Last week, UNN reportedly stated that it had no records confirming that Nnaji had graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985, as he had claimed. A senior university official stated that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but never completed his studies or received a certificate.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also said the mandatory certificate of national service Nnaji presented in April 2023 could not be verified.
The suspension or removal of a minister is rare in Nigeria - Nnaji is only the second to leave office since President Tinubu assumed power in May 2023. Last January, the then Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended following public outrage over a corruption scandal. During his eight-year term, former President Muhammadu Buhari sacked only two ministers.
