Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has officially resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
His resignation comes in the wake of mounting allegations related to certificate forgery and claims of political persecution.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him,” the statement read.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, submitted a formal resignation letter addressed to the President. In it, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation but said he was stepping down due to what he described as “malicious blackmail and political persecution.”
“I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for giving me the rare privilege to serve Nigeria at the federal level,” he wrote.
“However, in light of the malicious blackmail and political persecution I have faced in recent weeks, I have chosen to resign to allow the government to focus on its developmental agenda without distraction.”
The resignation comes amid reports alleging that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials during his ministerial screening before the Senate.
Media sources had pointed to inconsistencies in his degree certificates, raising doubts about his educational background, allegations Nnaji has repeatedly denied.
Sources say the political pressure intensified following the revelations, leading to calls for his resignation to enable an impartial investigation and minimize potential damage to the administration’s reputation.
President Tinubu, while accepting the resignation, thanked Nnaji for his service and extended his best wishes for his future.
“The President thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future undertakings,” said Onanuga.
