Tinubu’s Minister of Science and Technology in Forgery Scandal as UNN Disowns Certificate

A major controversy has erupted over the academic qualifications of Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), formally disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate he has been parading for decades.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, confirmed that although Mr. Nnaji was admitted into the institution in 1981 to study Biological Sciences, he never completed the programme and was therefore not awarded any degree.

“From every available record, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985. There are no records of his completion of studies,” Prof. Ortuanya wrote.

“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate in July 1985 to Mr. Nnaji,” he added.

Forgery Allegations Dating Back to 2023

Questions over Mr. Nnaji’s academic records first surfaced in July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu submitted his name to the Senate for ministerial confirmation. Critics alleged that the politician neither completed his studies at UNN nor participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, despite presenting both certificates to federal institutions.

During his Senate screening on August 1, 2023, Mr. Nnaji confidently told lawmakers that he obtained a degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN in 1985 and served in Jos the following year. His testimony was broadcast live on national television.

However, subsequent forensic scrutiny of his documents revealed glaring inconsistencies.

Forensic Red Flags

Investigators subjected both the alleged NYSC and UNN certificates to close analysis:

• The NYSC certificate dated May 15, 1986, carried the signature of Col. Animashaun Braimoh, who only assumed office as NYSC Director in 1988.
• It bore the title “National Director”, a designation not in use until the 1990s.
• The alphanumeric identification number (A231309) was impossible for the 1980s, as alphabetic prefixes were introduced only years later.
• The document bizarrely recorded 13 months of service instead of the statutory 12.

The degree certificate also contained contradictions. While it stated that Mr. Nnaji graduated in July 1985, his NYSC posting letter curiously suggested his service began in April 1985—three months earlier, which is institutionally impossible.

UNN Records Tell a Different Story

When investigators visited UNN, records showed that while Nnaji gained admission in 1981, he failed several core courses, including Virology (MCB 431AB). He repeatedly missed opportunities to retake exams and was eventually advised to withdraw due to prolonged absenteeism.

A letter dated May 1, 1986, written by Nnaji himself, surfaced during the probe. In it, he begged the university to allow him sit for an outstanding terminal course in September 1986—months after he claimed to have already graduated.

Institutional Contradictions

In December 2023, UNN’s registrar, Mrs. Celine Nnebedum, had told a newspaper that Nnaji graduated in 1985. However, she later retracted her statement before the Public Complaints Commission in May 2025, admitting the university could not find his name in the 1985 graduation list.

The Vice-Chancellor’s latest confirmation now appears to settle the matter, aligning with the two-year investigation and affirming that the certificate in the minister’s possession is fake.

Potential Legal and Political Fallout

The revelations raise serious questions about how Mr. Nnaji’s documents scaled the vetting processes of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Senate, and even the presidency itself.

Under Nigerian law, presenting forged academic or NYSC certificates is a criminal offence, punishable by removal from office and imprisonment.

As of press time, neither the minister nor the presidency had responded to the scandal.

CREDIT: Premium Times .