Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic and NYSC credentials.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement released Tuesday night, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him,” the statement read.
Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter thanking the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.
He claimed he had been a target of blackmail by political opponents.
The resignation follows an investigative report by PREMIUM TIMES which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate presented by Nnaji.
According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
Further scrutiny also cast doubt on the authenticity of the NYSC certificate submitted by the Minister to the Senate.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the certificate bore the signature of a Director-General who had not yet assumed office at the time of issuance, and indicated a service duration of 13 months instead of the legally mandated 12.
The Presidency thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.
