The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology of Nigeria, Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, has refuted allegations that he forged his academic certificate, describing them as “deliberate misinformation” driven by political motives.
Speaking through his official spokesperson, Dr Robert Ngwu, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the minister stated that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry. His response followed reports that he had admitted in court documents to never receiving a certificate from the university.
“Let me state clearly and for the record,” Dr Ngwu said, “Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.”
The minister’s remarks came in the wake of media reports suggesting that he had confessed under oath that he was never issued a degree certificate by the institution. The reports cited court filings in which Nnaji allegedly acknowledged that he had not collected any certificate following the completion of his studies.
According to documents submitted before Justice Hauwa Yilwa at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the minister had instituted legal action against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, its Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, former Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, and the university’s Senate.
In a verifying affidavit supporting a motion ex parte, Nnaji confirmed that he was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and claimed to have completed the programme in 1985. However, paragraph 13 of the affidavit reportedly states that he had “never collected any certificate from the university.”
Amid the conflicting claims, a letter reportedly sent by the University’s Registrar, Mrs Celine Nnebedum, to the People’s Gazette in May 2025 was cited as evidence of the university’s denial of Nnaji’s graduation. The letter claimed that a search of the 1985 graduation records did not contain Nnaji’s name.
UNN Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya reinforced this in a letter dated 3 October 2025 and addressed to Premium Times, stating that “Mr Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree by the university.”
However, Dr Ngwu argued that the only valid communication from the university remains a letter dated 21 December 2023, signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of Registrar Dr (Mrs) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, which confirmed the minister’s graduation.
“The only authentic letter issued by the University of Nigeria on this matter is the one dated 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum,” Ngwu said.
“That official communication, written in response to People’s Gazette inquiry, confirmed that: ‘Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.’”
Ngwu expressed concern over the later emergence of a contradictory letter dated May 2025, allegedly from the university, which stated that there were no records of Nnaji’s graduation.
“That was the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid,” he said.
“Two years later, in May 2025, a purported letter surfaced, allegedly written by the University, suddenly claiming that there were ‘no records’ of the Minister’s graduation.”
Ngwu questioned the timing and motivations behind the contradictory statements, suggesting a political agenda behind the institution’s change of stance.
“The question every Nigerian should ask is simple and logical: What changed between December 2023 and May 2025—apart from the fact that two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University?” he asked.
“It is on that same political foundation that Premium Times built its false story.”
He further stated that the Registrar, not the Vice-Chancellor, is the statutory custodian of academic records.
“By academic convention worldwide, the Registrar, not the Vice Chancellor, is the custodian of all examination and graduation records,” Ngwu said.
“Any attempt by a Vice Chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in university protocol and, in this case, an obvious political overreach.”
Ngwu confirmed that the minister had instituted a legal suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025. The court, presided over by Justice H.J. Yilwa, on 22 September 2025, reportedly issued protective orders restraining the university from tampering with the minister’s academic records and directed the institution to release his transcript.
“An order of mandamus compelling the University to release his academic transcript, and a directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance through their disciplinary powers,” Ngwu said.
“These are not speculative claims; they are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.”
“That alone should settle the matter. Unfortunately, instead of adhering strictly to the valid court order, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer by profession, resorted to cyberbullying and a politically motivated media trial against Chief Uche Nnaji.”
The minister’s team further accused “political actors and paid media platforms” of coordinating a reputational attack.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry,” Ngwu said.
“The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
Despite the controversy, Nnaji, through his spokesperson, said he remains focused on his responsibilities as Minister.
“But Nigerians are wiser than that. The facts are before the courts, the documents are public, and the truth cannot be buried under political propaganda,” Ngwu said.
“The Honourable Minister remains focused on his work and mandate, advancing innovation, building Nigeria’s science and technology capacity, and restoring the nation’s confidence in research-driven industrial growth.”
“He will not be distracted by lies or by those who weaponise institutions and media platforms for political gain.”
Ngwu also urged the University of Nigeria to uphold its motto and institutional independence.
“Let it be on record that: The Honourable Minister, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, graduated from UNN in 1985,” he said.
“The University officially confirmed this in writing in December 2023. It’s reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains part of UNN’s permanent archives.”
“Any other claim or document to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated.”
“We call on the University of Nigeria to uphold its proud motto, ‘To Restore the Dignity of Man.’ It must reclaim its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.”
“This is not just about one man’s academic record; it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.”
“The truth is simple, the record is clear, and the law is now on the side of justice,” Ngwu concluded.
Discussion about this post