— Court documents confirm Uche Nnaji never received UNN degree certificate
Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate, confirming long-standing reports that he may have forged his academic credentials.
The revelation, contained in court filings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, lends credence to a two-year investigative report by Premium Times, which exposed discrepancies in the documents Nnaji submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening.
Forgery Allegations Resurface
Controversy over Mr. Nnaji’s qualifications began in July 2023, when President Tinubu listed him among the first batch of ministerial nominees. Almost immediately, critics and journalists questioned the authenticity of his degree and NYSC certificates, alleging that he never completed his university education.
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Investigations by BusinessDay and Premium Times reportedly found that both documents were fabricated, with checks at UNN and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) failing to verify his claims. Despite the red flags, the Senate confirmed his nomination, and Nnaji assumed office as Minister of Science and Technology.
Minister’s Admission in Court
In a suit filed before Justice Hauwa Yilwa, Nnaji sued the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and the University Senate.
Through a motion ex parte, he sought an order restraining the university from releasing any details of his academic records and requested the court to compel UNN to issue his academic transcript. He also sought an injunction preventing the university from disclosing any information about him pending the determination of the case.
Justice Yilwa, in a ruling on 22 September, granted three of his prayers but refused to issue the restraining injunction, adjourning the matter to 6 October for further hearing.
Affidavit Confirms Lack of Certificate
In paragraphs 12 and 13 of his 34-paragraph sworn affidavit, Nnaji admitted that although he was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 and completed the programme in 1985, he never collected a degree certificate.
He blamed “the non-cooperative attitude” of UNN officials for his inability to obtain it.
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He cited a December 2023 letter from the university to People’s Gazette confirming that he graduated in 1985 with a Second Class (Lower Division)—but the document did not amount to an actual degree certificate. By his own admission, Nnaji effectively confirmed that he does not possess the certificate he presented for his appointment.
Public Outcry and Calls for Resignation
The admission has reignited public outrage, with civil society groups and opposition figures calling for the minister’s immediate suspension and investigation. Critics argue that his continued presence in office undermines the administration’s credibility, particularly in a ministry that champions innovation, education, and research integrity.
An opposition lawmaker described the situation as “a national embarrassment,” asking: “How can someone who forged his certificate be in charge of science and technology?”
Legal Implications and Government Credibility
Legal experts say Nnaji’s sworn statement could expose him to criminal prosecution under Nigerian law, which penalises forgery, perjury, and submission of false documents for public appointments.
The case also raises fresh questions about the Tinubu administration’s vetting process for ministers and other public officials, particularly given repeated scandals involving falsified credentials.
As the Federal High Court continues to hear the matter, attention will focus on whether UNN will be compelled to release more details of Nnaji’s academic records and whether those details will further confirm the alleged forgeries.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for public accountability and trust in Nigeria’s governance system.
