Calls are intensifying for President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, following serious allegations of certificate forgery.
The controversy stems from claims that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have disowned the academic and service certificates attributed to the minister.
Further intensifying the scandal, court documents have emerged showing that Nnaji admitted the university did not issue him the degree certificate he claims to possess.
In a recent ruling, Justice Hausa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, denied the minister’s request to block the release of his academic records.
His application sought an interim injunction to prevent UNN from disclosing his academic history, a move the court rejected.
In response to the growing controversy, two leading civil society organisations, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria, have called for Minister Nnaji’s immediate resignation or dismissal.
CISLAC Executive Director Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani emphasized that public office should not be used to cover deceit, stressing that academic qualifications should not be manipulated for political gain.
“If you lie about your certificate, it’s a serious matter. The honourable thing is to resign and apologise,” Rafsanjani said.
“Leadership is about integrity. You can’t preach honesty while benefitting from fraud.”
He also criticised what he called the president’s silence, suggesting that Nnaji’s proximity to Tinubu might be shielding him from accountability.
Similarly, Professor Ademola Adaranijo, a law expert, urged the federal government to suspend the minister pending a thorough and transparent investigation.
He argued that a firm stance on such issues would demonstrate a government commitment to integrity and restore public confidence.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi weighed in on the controversy via a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Though he did not mention Nnaji by name, Obi called for severe penalties for politicians involved in certificate forgery, describing it as a criminal offence that undermines trust in governance.
“How can we ask young Nigerians to be honest when our leaders engage in fraud?” Obi asked.
“We must end the era where deceit and forgery are rewarded with power.”
Obi also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its lax vetting process, urging for reforms that require candidates to submit academic certificates at least six months before elections.
He emphasized the need for electoral laws to treat forgery not as a technical oversight, but as a serious criminal act.
“True leadership begins with truth. Criminal offences like forgery must be addressed with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.
As of the time of reporting, Minister Uche Nnaji has not publicly responded to the allegations or the growing calls for his resignation.
