Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was not an admission of guilt but a decision made to uphold due process amid ongoing controversies surrounding his academic credentials.
Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following allegations that his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and NYSC discharge certificate could not be verified. While he insists he graduated from UNN in 1975, reports suggest that the institution could not confirm his academic record.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the former Minister said his decision “did not come lightly,” explaining that it was driven by personal conviction rather than culpability.
He stated, “My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
Nnaji also alleged that the certificate scandal was politically motivated, claiming he had been targeted by his opponents.
He said, “Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms. These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Nnaji thanked him for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued loyalty to his administration.
He noted, “I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has formally accepted Nnaji’s resignation. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked the former minister for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Nnaji was appointed as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023.
What you should know
Uche Nnaji’s resignation follows a PREMIUM TIMES investigation that alleged he forged both his university degree and NYSC certificate.
While he maintains his innocence, both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC reportedly denied validating the documents he presented during his ministerial confirmation.
