Former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has publicly addressed speculation surrounding his resignation, emphatically rejecting claims that it stemmed from guilt over allegations of certificate forgery. He maintained that his decision to step down was guided by a commitment to integrity, transparency, and respect for due process, rather than any admission of wrongdoing.
Resignation amid certificate scandal
Nnaji’s resignation came in the wake of a detailed investigation by Premium Times, which highlighted inconsistencies in his academic credentials. The report raised questions about the authenticity of his Bachelor of Science degree and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, sparking widespread public scrutiny and debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscape.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), officially disowned the Bachelor of Science degree Nnaji had presented, confirming that while he was admitted in 1981, he did not complete the program. This revelation fueled intense discussions among civic groups, political commentators, and citizens who demanded accountability and stricter vetting for public office holders.
Following several days of silence amid mounting public pressure, Nnaji formally submitted his resignation letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. In the letter and subsequent public statements, he described the allegations as “malicious blackmail” designed to tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the ongoing work and initiatives of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology under the Tinubu administration.
Nnaji: ‘My resignation is not admission of guilt’
In a statement personally signed and released to the media, Nnaji clarified that his resignation was not an acknowledgment of guilt. Instead, he framed his decision as an effort to protect the ministry’s focus, maintain professional dignity, and ensure that due process could take its course without interference. “After deep reflection and consultation with family and well-meaning Nigerians, I have tendered my resignation to allow due process to take its course,” Nnaji said. “My decision is personal and principled, and it is not an acceptance of guilt.”
He further emphasized that the allegations had caused significant personal distress, distracted the ministry’s operations, and threatened to undermine ongoing programs in technological innovation and scientific research. “Justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he concluded, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately emerge in his favor.
Nnaji’s resignation represents one of the most high-profile exits from President Tinubu’s cabinet since its inception, drawing attention to the need for rigorous vetting procedures and improved transparency in ministerial appointments. His departure has reignited nationwide debates about accountability, governance standards, and the mechanisms by which public officials are scrutinized before assuming key positions in Nigeria’s government.
Observers note that while the controversy surrounding Nnaji is significant, his proactive resignation may serve as a precedent for public officials seeking to uphold principles of integrity while allowing formal investigations and due process to unfold. The episode underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s governance system, particularly the importance of balancing personal dignity, institutional credibility, and public trust.
As Nigerians continue to debate the implications of his resignation, Nnaji’s exit from the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has reignited conversations on ethics, governance reforms, and the responsibility of leaders to maintain both personal and institutional integrity in the face of public scrutiny.