Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has tendered his resignation. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesman, confirmed this development in a statement late on Tuesday.
Nnaji finds himself at the centre of controversy regarding his academic credentials. An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has disavowed the Bachelor of Science degree certificate he possesses, asserting that he did not complete his studies at the institution and was never awarded a certificate.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, disclosed that while Nnaji was admitted to the university in 1981, he failed to finish his degree. Furthermore, officials at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) corroborated that the national service certificate being presented by Nnaji was unfamiliar to them and could not be verified.
President Accepts Resignation Following Controversy
In his statement, Onanuga confirmed that Nnaji had resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He stated that President Bola Tinubu had accepted the resignation and extended his best wishes to Nnaji.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in light of allegations made against him,” Onanuga remarked.
Nnaji, who was appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023, submitted his resignation while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria. He claimed to have been a target of political blackmail from his opponents.
President Tinubu expressed his appreciation for Nnaji’s service and wished him success in his future endeavours, as confirmed by Onanuga.
