- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has opened up on his alleged presentation of forged academic certificates.
NPO Reported that the Minister was an exclusive investigation by Premium Times caught in certificate forgery scandal as it was revealed that his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and NYSC certificates were allegedly forged.
According to the investigation, the UNN disowned the certificate in the possession of Nnaji, saying the politician did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.
Reacting in a Press Conference held on Monday, the Minister represented by the Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Robert Ngwu, denied the allegations.
Nnaji accused the university of indulging itself in political games to political interests, stressing that the allegations were borne out of plot to sabotage his candidacy in the 2027 Enugu State gubernatorial election.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity, it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry.
“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. But Nigerians are wiser than that,” he said.
Ngwu reaffirmed that the university’s convocation brochure, archived at UNN, lists Nnaji’s name among graduates which was also officially confirmed in 2023.
“Let it be on record that the Honourable Minister, Chief Uche Justin Nnaji, graduated from UNN in 1985. The university officially confirmed this in writing in December 2023.
“It reflects in his 1985 convocation brochure which remains part of UNN’s archive. Any other claims or documents to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated.” The Minister’s aide said.
He also questioned the role of the Vice Chancellor, noting that, “By academic convention worldwide, the Registrar and not the Vice Chancellor is the custodian of all examination and graduation records.
“Any attempt by the Vice Chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in the university protocol and in his case an obvious political overreach.”
The Minister charged the university to distance itself from political manipulation and reaffirm the authenticity of the result.
“We call on the University of Nigeria to uphold its proud motto, “To Restore the Dignity on Man”.
“It must reclaim its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its official record.
“This is not just about one man’s academic record, it is about protecting the truth, preserving institutional; honour and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in dirty partisan politics.
“The truth is simple, the record is clear, and the law is now on the side of justice.” He added.