Nsukka, Enugu State — The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has officially disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate presented by Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
The university stated that Nnaji never completed his studies and that no certificate was ever issued to him.
The revelation follows months of controversy surrounding the minister’s academic qualifications and NYSC certificate, which critics have long described as forged.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Name: Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji
- Position: Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Admission: 1981, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Claimed Graduation: July 1985
- UNN’s Position: Never graduated; no record of completion
- NYSC Certificate: Declared invalid — NYSC says no record found
- Forensic Findings: Certificate signed by an official who wasn’t in office at the time
- Ministerial Screening: Nnaji told senators he graduated in 1985 and served in Jos
- Response: No comment from the minister despite repeated media enquiries
UNN’s Official Response
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, UNN confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981, but there was no record of his graduation or completion of studies.
“From every available record, we are unable to confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated in July 1985,” the university said.
“The University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate to Mr Nnaji.”
The university added that its conclusion matched an earlier correspondence dated May 13, 2025, sent to the Public Complaints Commission, where it maintained that Nnaji did not graduate.
Allegations Began in 2023
Questions about Nnaji’s academic records began in July 2023, after President Bola Tinubu nominated him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees sent to the Senate.
Critics accused him of presenting fake credentials, including a forged NYSC certificate, claiming he never finished his degree at UNN.
Findings from Investigation
According to Premium Times, investigations revealed that:
- Nnaji failed key courses, including Virology, and missed several resit exams.
- He was advised to withdraw from the university.
- Despite this, he later presented a certificate claiming he graduated in July 1985.
Records also showed that in May 1986, Nnaji wrote to UNN asking to retake an outstanding course, a request that was rejected.
Additionally, the official convocation list for UNN’s 20th Graduation Ceremony (1985) did not include his name.
Forgery Allegations Extend to NYSC Certificate
A forensic review of the NYSC certificate Nnaji presented revealed several inconsistencies:
- It was signed by Colonel Animashaun Braimoh, who only became NYSC Director in 1988, even though the certificate was dated May 1986.
- The document used the title “National Director”, a term not adopted until years later.
- Its serial numbering format did not match that of NYSC certificates from the 1980s.
The NYSC later confirmed that no record existed for Nnaji and that the certificate could not be authenticated.
Contradictions in Earlier Statements
UNN’s latest response contradicts an earlier letter written by its Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, in December 2023, which claimed that Nnaji graduated in 1985.
She later recanted her statement in May 2025, admitting that his name was not listed among graduates for that year.
Minister Yet to Respond
Despite repeated attempts by Premium Times and other media outlets — including a formal inquiry acknowledged on January 18, 2024 — Mr Nnaji has not responded to any requests for comment.
With both the university degree and NYSC certificate discredited, the minister now faces serious allegations of forgery. The revelations also raise concerns about how his credentials passed verification during the ministerial screening process and subsequent appointment.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has made an official statement regarding the controversy.
The allegations against Minister Uche Nnaji underscore the growing need for stronger background checks and certificate verification for public officials in Nigeria. If proven true, the case could lead to legal consequences, including possible resignation, prosecution, or dismissal under existing laws governing forgery and public office eligibility.
This medium will continue to monitor developments on this story, including any official response from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Science, or law enforcement agencies tasked with investigating document fraud.
