The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has publicly disassociated itself from the academic credentials presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji.
According to the institution, the Bachelor of Science degree he claims to have obtained from UNN is not authentic, as he never completed his programme at the university.
The controversy over Mr. Nnaji’s academic qualifications has lingered since July 2023, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu as one of the 28 ministerial candidates sent to the Senate for confirmation.
Despite growing scrutiny, the minister submitted what critics have described as forged documents, including a UNN degree certificate and an NYSC certificate, to various federal institutions, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Nigerian Senate.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, issued a formal letter on October 2, 2025, confirming that while Mr. Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
“We refer to your letter dated 29 September 2025 in respect of the above subject matter,” the Vice-Chancellor wrote.
“We can confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981.
“From every available records and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No. RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter (copy attached).”
