Forgery scandal: Tinubu’s minister makes u-turn, says UNN issued him degree certificate

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has dismissed recent reports casting doubt on the authenticity of his academic qualifications.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji, who serves in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, confirmed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) officially issued him a degree certificate confirming his graduation in 1985.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the minister described the allegations of certificate forgery as “deliberate misinformation”, asserting that they were politically motivated and spread through the media to tarnish his reputation.

“Let me state clearly and for the record: Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division,” Ngwu said.

Reports had stated that Nnaji admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, never issued him a degree certificate.

According to the report, Nnaji made the admission in court documents filed before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The minister had instituted a suit against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, and the university’s Senate.

The court filings confirm that Nnaji personally acknowledged not having been issued a certificate by the institution.

In his verifying affidavit supporting a motion ex parte, Nnaji recounted that he was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and claimed to have completed the programme in 1985.

However, in paragraph 13 of the affidavit, he confessed that he had never collected any certificate from the university.

The letter, signed by UNN Registrar Celine Nnebedum and sent to the People’s Gazette, has since been invalidated.

In May 2025, Mrs Nnebedum wrote to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), stating that the university searched its 1985 graduation records but could not find Mr Nnaji’s name.

Similarly, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ortuanya, confirmed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to PREMIUM TIMES that “Mr Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree by the university.”

But Nnaji, through his spokesperson Ngwu, made a U-turn and insisted, “That fact is not in doubt. It is documented in the University’s own records, acknowledged in its official correspondence, and reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains part of UNN’s permanent archives.”

According to Ngwu, the only valid letter issued by the university confirming Nnaji’s credentials was dated December 21, 2023, and was duly signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

“The only authentic letter issued by the University of Nigeria on this matter is the one dated 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

“That official communication, written in response to People’s Gazette inquiry, confirmed that: ‘Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division,’” Ngwu said.

The minister questioned the emergence of another letter in May 2025, purportedly from UNN, claiming there were no records of Nnaji’s graduation.

He said, “That was the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid.

“Two years later, in May 2025, a purported letter surfaced, allegedly written by the University, suddenly claiming that there were “no records” of the Minister’s graduation.

“The question every Nigerian should ask is simple and logical: What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 – apart from the fact that two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University?

“It is on that same political foundation that Premium Times built its false story.”

Nnaji further argued that by academic convention, the Registrar, not the Vice Chancellor, is the custodian of all examination and graduation records, accusing the university’s leadership of “political overreach.”

“By academic convention worldwide, the Registrar, not the Vice Chancellor, is the custodian of all examination and graduation records.

“Any attempt by a Vice Chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in university protocol and, in this case, an obvious political overreach,” Ngwu added.

Ngwu confirmed that the minister took legal action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.

According to him, presided over by Justice H.J. Yilwa, the court on September 22, 2025, granted protective orders restraining UNN’s management from tampering with Nnaji’s academic records and compelling the release of his transcript.

However, Ngwu did not mention that in paragraph 13 of his affidavit, Nnaji confessed that he had never collected any certificate from the university, as reported.

“An order of mandamus compelling the University to release his academic transcript, and a directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance through their disciplinary powers.

“These are not speculative claims; they are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria,” Ngwu said.

“That alone should settle the matter. Unfortunately, instead of adhering strictly to the valid court order, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer by profession, resorted to cyberbullying and a politically motivated media trial against Chief Uche Nnaji.”

The minister accused “political actors and paid media platforms” of orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his reputation.

“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry,” Ngwu continued.

“The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”

Reaffirming his academic credentials, Nnaji maintained that he remains focused on his ministerial duties.

“But Nigerians are wiser than that. The facts are before the courts, the documents are public, and the truth cannot be buried under political propaganda.

“The Honourable Minister remains focused on his work and mandate, advancing innovation, building Nigeria’s science and technology capacity, and restoring the nation’s confidence in research-driven industrial growth,” Ngwu stated.

“He will not be distracted by lies or by those who weaponise institutions and media platforms for political gain.”

Ngwu called on the University of Nigeria to “uphold its proud motto, To Restore the Dignity of Man,” and distance itself from what he described as political manipulation.

Ngwu stated, “Let it be on record that: The Honourable Minister, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, graduated from UNN in 1985.

“The University officially confirmed this in writing in December 2023. It’s reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains part of UNN’s permanent archives.

“Any other claim or document to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated.

“We call on the University of Nigeria to uphold its proud motto, ‘To Restore the Dignity of Man.

“It must reclaim its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.

“This is not just about one man’s academic record; it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.

“The truth is simple, the record is clear, and the law is now on the side of justice.”

(SaharaReporters)