Minister Nnaji
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uchechukwu Geoffrey Nnaji, amid mounting controversy surrounding the legitimacy of his academic qualifications.
Effiong’s demand follows revelations from a letter issued by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Ortuanya.
The letter states that there are no records confirming that Minister Nnaji graduated from UNN in 1985, as he has claimed.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Professor Ortuanya wrote:
“We confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981. However, we cannot confirm that he graduated in July 1985, as there are no records indicating the completion of his studies.”
The university’s statement makes it clear that it could not have issued the purported certificate to Minister Nnaji, corroborating an earlier letter from May 2025 addressed to the Public Complaints Commission regarding the same matter.
Effiong appeared on Channels Television, emphasizing that the minister should be suspended immediately to allow for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged forgery.
“This minister must be suspended without delay pending the investigation,” Effiong insisted.
“He must also submit himself to the police for questioning. Otherwise, Nigerians will believe we are governed by certificate forgers and criminals.”
While acknowledging that the allegations have not yet been proven, Effiong stressed the importance of transparency and accountability from the federal government.
“Though these remain allegations, the government must demonstrate its commitment to investigating the claims and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
“It’s troubling that the Minister of Innovation is now linked to certificate forgery, undermining the very principles of his office.”
Effiong described the situation as a national disgrace and called on President Tinubu to act decisively to preserve the administration’s credibility.
“This is an embarrassment to our nation,” he concluded.
“President Tinubu has a chance to prove that his government is not a cartel but one that respects the law.”
