By every standard of truth, decency, and fairness, the latest attempt to smear the image of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is not only baseless and unprofessional but also an embarrassing case of political desperation. It exposes the moral bankruptcy of those who seek cheap defamation through falsehood and blackmail.
Let’s be clear, this same certificate forgery allegation was first fabricated in 2023, shortly after Chief Nnaji’s ministerial appointment. It was thoroughly investigated and dismissed when the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) confirmed that he indeed graduated from the Department of Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1985. His name appears boldly on the department’s official graduating list, an authentic document that has since been verified and made public.
For any sensible observer, that should have been the end of the matter. But sadly, in Nigeria’s political theatre, truth often suffers when envy and fear take the stage. What we are witnessing today is nothing more than a recycled lie dressed up as a new revelation, a tired propaganda tool wielded by those uncomfortable with the Minister’s growing record of performance and integrity.
Anyone familiar with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s philosophy of leadership should know that he is a man who does not gamble with appointments. The President values loyalty, competence, and integrity, and before choosing anyone for national service, he studies their character deeply. Those close to the Presidency know that President Tinubu was personally impressed by Chief Nnaji’s intelligence, discipline, and patriotism long before his appointment. He saw in him not just a technocrat but a visionary whose life embodies the very values the President holds dear, loyalty, innovation, and results.
It is therefore laughable for anyone to imagine that the same President who built a political empire on trust and merit would appoint someone with a questionable background. Tinubu made no mistake. His confidence in Uche Nnaji was well-founded and remains unshaken.
Since assuming office, Chief Nnaji has been nothing short of exemplary driving technological innovation, reforming research institutions, and promoting Nigeria’s quest for industrial self-reliance. He has proven that leadership is not about noise but results, not about propaganda but purpose. His policies have begun laying the foundation for a future where innovation powers national growth, a future in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Those behind this new wave of forgery allegations are not truth-seekers; they are political opportunists terrified by Nnaji’s rising reputation. They forget that a good name built on integrity cannot be erased by falsehood, no matter how loudly it is shouted.
The truth is simple: Uche Nnaji is an accomplished technocrat, a patriot, and a man of unblemished character. His credentials are verifiable, his service record impeccable, and his loyalty unquestionable. The attempt to tarnish his image has failed before, and it has failed again, this time more disgracefully.
Rather than wasting energy on cheap blackmail, critics should study the leadership model of President Tinubu, who honours loyalty and rewards excellence. They should also understand that both the President and his Minister remain unmoved by the antics of political jobbers. Their focus is on delivering results, not responding to distractions.
The facts speak for themselves: Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji graduated from UNN, was cleared of all false allegations in 2023, and continues to serve Nigeria with distinction. No amount of recycled propaganda can change that truth.In the end, truth has a way of outliving lies, and once again, truth has vindicated Chief Uche Nnaji.
* Ofor Nwodo writes from Enugu
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