By Our Reporter
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned following allegations of certificate forgery levelled against him.
His resignation, confirmed late Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, came after days of intense scrutiny and public outrage.
In a statement, Onanuga said the President had accepted the minister’s decision to step down in light of the allegations.
> “President Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following some allegations against him,” the statement read.
“The President thanks him for his service to the nation and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, in his resignation letter thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, but alleged that he had become a target of political blackmail.
> “I have been a target of sustained blackmail by my political opponents,” he stated. “I have decided to step aside to protect the integrity of the government I serve.”
Forgery Allegation and Court Battle
The controversy began after an online publication alleged that Nnaji did not possess the degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) that he claimed.
In reaction, the former minister accused the Enugu State Government of orchestrating the smear campaign against him and using the university authorities, including the Vice Chancellor, to malign his reputation.
Nnaji subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling UNN to release his academic transcripts to prove his claims.
Justice Yilwa, presiding over the case, adjourned hearing to November 10 for further proceedings.
Reactions Trail Resignation
The resignation has sparked political reactions across party lines.
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), described the incident as “a reflection of Nigeria’s weak vetting process,” urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to thoroughly screen all individuals seeking elective and appointive offices.
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted President Tinubu for retaining Nnaji in his cabinet despite what it called “credible allegations” against him, noting that such tolerance “erodes public trust” in government.
Political observers say the resignation may trigger closer scrutiny of other cabinet members facing unresolved allegations, as public pressure mounts on the administration to uphold accountability and transparency.
For many Nigerians, Nnaji’s exit underscores a growing demand for credibility in governance and the expectation that no official should remain above ethical standards, regardless of political standing.
PIONEER NEWS 