Nnaji, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, has been accused of falsifying the credentials he presented to both the Presidency and the Senate.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following mounting allegations that he forged academic and service certificates submitted for his appointment.
Nnaji, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, has been accused of falsifying the credentials he presented to both the Presidency and the Senate during his ministerial screening.
A recent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that Nnaji did not complete his university education. The report alleged that the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he submitted to the President, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Senate were forged.
Confirming his resignation on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said President Tinubu had accepted Nnaji’s decision to step down.
“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria,” Onanuga stated.
According to Onanuga, Nnaji claimed he had been a victim of political blackmail, but nonetheless expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours,” Onanuga added.
Nnaji’s resignation comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja rejected his attempt to block the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records.
Justice Hausa Yilwa, who presided over the case, delivered the ruling on September 22. In the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment, the court found that while Nnaji had a legitimate interest in the matter, there was no basis to grant his request for an injunction.
“I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter, and the application is partly meritorious. Accordingly, prayers 1, 2, and 3 are granted, while prayer 4, which sought an injunction, is declined,” the ruling stated.
Justice Yilwa clarified that the decision should not be misconstrued as restraining any institution or individual from carrying out lawful duties.
The court reached its conclusion after reviewing affidavits and arguments presented by Nnaji’s legal representatives.