Abuja, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Chief Uche Nnaji from his position as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Nnaji’s resignation follows the emergence of a certificate scandal, raising serious questions about his qualifications only a few months after his appointment in August 2023.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, thanking him for his trust and support during his tenure. However, the backdrop to his departure involves grave allegations of certificate forgery that have surfaced in recent weeks. Investigations by *Premium Times* revealed discrepancies in the academic documents he presented, including claims of having falsified certificates from the University of Nigeria and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Nnaji has claimed that he has been the target of coordinated blackmail orchestrated by political adversaries, specifically accusing Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, of orchestrating these revelations to discredit him. He has vehemently denied the allegations of forgery, insisting that he graduated from the University of Nigeria and has urged the academic institution to publicly affirm his claims by releasing his transcript. This appeal, however, has not alleviated the intense scrutiny surrounding his academic credentials.
The official announcement from the presidency, communicated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, acknowledged Nnaji’s resignation and commended him for his contributions to the technology sector. President Tinubu wished him well in his future endeavours, indicating the administration’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability amidst this controversy.
Prior to these allegations gaining traction, Nnaji was regarded as a strong advocate for technological innovation in Nigeria. His ministry sought to elevate Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape, promoting initiatives aimed at driving economic diversification and growth. However, the unfolding scandal has significantly tarnished those aspirations, complicating the administration’s objectives regarding technological advancement and governance reform.
The allegations and Nnaji’s subsequent resignation have stimulated discussions across Nigerian social media platforms, where many citizens are calling for greater transparency from the government regarding the qualifications of public officials. The scandal adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the Tinubu administration, highlighting vulnerabilities that can easily be exploited in Nigeria’s fraught political environment.
As the administration prepares to appoint a new minister responsible for innovation and technology, the ramifications of Nnaji’s resignation extend beyond individual accountability. It raises pressing concerns about the vetting processes for public officials and the ongoing struggle against corruption within Nigerian politics. The fallout from this scandal underscores the critical necessity for integrity and the establishment of robust mechanisms to ensure that leaders are genuinely qualified to fulfil their responsibilities.
However, the focus remain on how the government addresses the aftermath of Nnaji’s resignation while striving to sustain momentum in its technological ambitions.
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