Fresh evidence has emerged confirming that the academic credentials presented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to secure his ministerial appointment in 2023 were not genuine.
A PREMIUM TIMES investigative report published on Saturday revealed that while Mr Nnaji gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1981 to study microbiology/biochemistry, he dropped out without completing his studies. Despite this, he later claimed to have graduated in July 1985 with a second-class honour, lower division, and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES show that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated and joined the NYSC, he was still in correspondence with UNN regarding a failed terminal course, MCB 431AB (Virology). The records indicate he failed the course and made two unsuccessful attempts to re-sit the examination.
In a letter dated 8 November 1985, the UNN registrar informed him that he had not passed the September 1985 supplementary examination and advised him on procedures to re-sit the course. In response, Mr Nnaji wrote on 3 January 1986 confirming his intention to retake the examination but failed to appear for the rescheduled exam.
He later submitted a second letter on 19 May 1986 citing ill health and requesting another re-sit opportunity for the September 1986 supplementary examinations, attaching a medical report to support his claim. These correspondences directly contradict his claim of graduating in July 1985, showing that he had yet to complete a crucial course more than 10 months after he purportedly earned his degree.
Further evidence from a 2 October 2025 letter from UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, confirmed that Mr Nnaji never returned to complete the outstanding course.
Other inconsistencies highlighted by PREMIUM TIMES include Mr Nnaji’s notification of result, which states he graduated in July 1985, and his NYSC discharge certificate, indicating he commenced service in April 1985 months before he allegedly completed his studies. These contradictions suggest that Mr Nnaji could neither have received his bachelor’s degree nor participated in the NYSC at the claimed times.
The revelations raise serious questions about how Mr Nnaji obtained clearance from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Senate to be appointed minister in 2023 despite glaring discrepancies in his credentials.
Allegations of certificate forgery have surrounded Mr Nnaji since July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu included him among the first batch of ministerial nominees from 25 states. Critics have long contended that the bachelor’s degree and NYSC certificate submitted to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the SSS, and the Senate were forged.
A two-year investigation by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed the allegations. The newspaper also reported on Sunday that Mr Nnaji admitted that UNN never issued him a degree certificate.
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