As pressure mounts on the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery, the Presidency has stated that it will take action only after the court delivers its verdict.
The special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told LEADERSHIP on Monday that the federal government would respect the judicial process and refrain from commenting while the matter is before the court.
“This matter is already in court. We should await the verdict of the court,” Onanuga said.
The controversy follows a letter from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), dated October 2, 2025, and signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, which claimed that records show Nnaji, matriculation number 1981/30725, was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 but did not complete his studies. The university said it could not have issued the certificate allegedly presented by the minister.
However, Nnaji has denied the allegations and called on UNN to release his academic transcript. In a press conference in Abuja, he described the claims as politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He was represented by his media aide, Dr. Robert Ngwu, who presented a document dated December 21, 2023, from the UNN Registrar confirming that Nnaji graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Hons) Lower Division.
Nnaji also cited protective orders granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining UNN officials from tampering with his academic records and directing the university to release his transcripts. The court has fixed November 10 for the next hearing in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association’s Anti-Corruption Committee has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend and prosecute Nnaji, stating that the allegations pose a serious credibility challenge to the administration.
The Enugu State Government has distanced itself from the controversy, calling on the minister to “carry his cross” and clear his name before Nigerians. The government questioned Nnaji’s decision to outsource his press conference to proxies rather than address the allegations directly.
The Presidency maintains that it will continue to respect due process and act only in accordance with the court’s ruling, emphasizing the need for judicial resolution in the ongoing certificate dispute.
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