President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly summoned Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over allegations that he presented forged academic and NYSC certificates during his ministerial nomination and screening.
According to multiple reports, an investigation by Premium Times revealed that the degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate submitted by Nnaji were allegedly fake. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), denied awarding him the degree he claimed to possess, while the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also stated that the certificate he presented did not originate from their records. Documents obtained by journalists reportedly showed that Nnaji was still seeking to re-sit certain examinations at the time he claimed to have graduated and completed his service year.
Following the public outcry, Nnaji was said to have been summoned to the Presidential Villa for questioning. Shortly afterward, he tendered his resignation, which President Tinubu accepted. In a letter to the President, Nnaji denied forging any document, claiming he was a victim of political persecution allegedly orchestrated by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, whom he accused of trying to destroy his reputation.
However, his resignation did not end the controversy. Opposition figures, civil society organizations, and legal experts have called for a full investigation and possible prosecution. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have all urged the President to ensure that those implicated in certificate forgery face the law, insisting that mere resignation is not enough.
Legal analysts have also explained that under Nigerian law, forgery and the use of forged documents are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment. They argue that if proven, the offence could lead to both disqualification from public office and criminal conviction.
Meanwhile, supporters of Nnaji, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, have defended him, claiming that the issue was being exaggerated for political reasons. Kalu insisted that the Senate had screened and cleared Nnaji before his appointment, suggesting that any concerns about his qualifications should have been raised earlier.
The Presidency has yet to release an official statement confirming whether Nnaji will be investigated or prosecuted. However, sources within the Villa suggest that Tinubu is under pressure to act decisively to maintain public confidence and demonstrate his administration’s commitment to integrity in public service.
The scandal has renewed debate about Nigeria’s vetting process for political appointments and the growing number of certificate-related controversies among top government officials. Many Nigerians see the incident as a critical test of the government’s willingness to uphold transparency and accountability.
Sonia Orjiako