ABUJA, Oct. 8 (The African Portal) – Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned following allegations that he forged his university degree certificate, a presidential aide said on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.
“President Tinubu accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following some allegations against him,” Onanuga said. “He resigned in a letter thanking the president for the opportunity to serve.”
Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. He said he had been the target of “blackmail by political opponents.”
An online publication last week reported that Nnaji did not hold the degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which he claimed to possess. The minister accused the Enugu State government and the university’s vice chancellor of being behind the claims.
Nnaji has filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to compel the university to release his academic transcripts. The case has been adjourned to November 10.
The allegations drew reactions from opposition figures, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who urged the electoral commission to strengthen candidate screening processes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also criticised Tinubu for retaining Nnaji in his cabinet after the allegations emerged.
President Tinubu thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, Onanuga added.
