From Cabinet to Controversy: Tinubu’s Ex-Minister Exposed for Forging Certificate

An investigative panel established by the Federal Government has confirmed allegations of forgery against Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, according to Politics Nigeria.

The panel’s findings reveal that Nnaji presented a forged degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, claiming to have graduated in 1985, despite not having actually completed his studies at the institution.

The seven-member panel was convened by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on November 23, 2025, following a petition from Nnaji himself, dated October 14, 2025.

In his petition, Nnaji accused university officials of unethical practices, including document tampering and political manipulation of his academic records.

He specifically named Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, and Oguejiofor Ujam, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, alleging that they were involved in issuing unauthorized correspondence and misrepresenting his academic history.

The panel, chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, the Director of the University Education Department in the Ministry of Education, conducted a thorough investigation.

Their methodology included a review of documents, interviews, verifications, and a technical audit. The investigation involved visits to the university, discussions with key officials such as the vice-chancellor and the registrar, and an examination of academic records and internal correspondence related to Nnaji.

The panel discovered that Nnaji’s name was absent from the Senate-approved graduation list of 1985, confirming that he did not graduate that year. The report of the investigation was submitted to the education minister in December 2025, providing a detailed account of the findings and conclusions drawn from the inquiry.

The panel also examined correspondence between Nnaji and the university registry between November 1985 and May 1986 concerning a failed course, Virology (MCB 431).

In one of the handwritten letters dated May 19, 1986, Nnaji reportedly applied to retake the failed course, stating that he could not sit for the earlier examination due to ill health.

However, the panel said it found no record indicating that the former minister later passed the course.

It therefore questioned how Nnaji obtained the purported certificate of graduation dated July 1985, which he submitted to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial appointment and to the National Assembly of Nigeria for confirmation.

The panel’s findings align with an earlier investigation by Premium Times, which reported that although Nnaji gained admission into the university in the 1981/82 academic session to study Biological Sciences, he did not graduate after failing a required course.

The report had also revealed that the National Youth Service Corps disowned the discharge certificate presented by the former minister.

Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position three days after the investigation was published.

Following the development, several Nigerians called for his prosecution, arguing that resignation alone was insufficient given the alleged violations of the law.

A legal practitioner, Liborous Oshoma, recently criticised the government for failing to prosecute the former minister, saying individuals involved in certificate forgery should be prosecuted and barred from holding public office.

Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has reportedly begun an investigation into the alleged forgery and may proceed with prosecution if the claims are established.