Ex-Innovation Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns Amid Certificate Controversy, Denies Wrongdoing

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, stepped down from his post on Tuesday, citing a “principled decision” to allow “due process” to run its course following intense scrutiny over his academic credentials.

The resignation comes amid a swirling public dispute concerning both his degree purportedly from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

In a statement issued late Tuesday evening, Mr. Nnaji firmly asserted that his decision to vacate the office was not an admission of guilt.

“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he stated. “In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”

The former Minister, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, maintained that he did graduate from UNN in 1975. However, reports suggest that the institution has been unable to verify his academic records, fueling the controversy.

Mr. Nnaji laid the blame for the scandal on his political detractors, claiming the allegations were part of a coordinated and “politically motivated and malicious attack” intended to malign his character and disrupt the government’s agenda.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood… have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he lamented.

He added that these “unfounded allegations and media distortions” had begun to “distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”

President Bola Tinubu, through his media aide Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the acceptance of Mr. Nnaji’s resignation.

The President extended his appreciation to the former Minister for his brief service and conveyed best wishes for his future endeavours.

Mr. Nnaji, in turn, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the “confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet,” reaffirming his “unflinching support” and loyalty to the current administration and its transformative goals.