Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid ongoing allegations regarding his academic credentials and claims of certificate forgery.
Appointed in August 2023, Nnaji submitted his resignation in a letter to the president on Tuesday, thanking him for the opportunity to serve.
In a statement confirming the resignation, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following allegations against him. Nnaji resigned today, expressing gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
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He claimed to have been the victim of blackmail by political adversaries. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavours.”
Nnaji’s resignation follows a continuing controversy over allegations of certificate forgery and the authenticity of his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Tensions escalated between Nnaji and the Enugu State Government, who accused him of presenting forged certificates. The conflict deepened when the Federal High Court in Enugu dismissed Nnaji’s attempt to block the University of Nigeria from disclosing his academic records.
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The court ruled that the institution had the legal right to release his academic information in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that sparked further public scrutiny.
Despite the controversy, Nnaji has insisted that he is being targeted by political opponents aiming to damage his reputation.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
