Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, is facing widespread calls for his resignation amidst damning allegations of certificate forgery. A series of investigative reports by PREMIUM TIMES, spanning two years, has conclusively revealed that Mr. Nnaji allegedly presented forged Bachelor's degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificates to secure his ministerial appointment under President Bola Tinubu's administration in July 2023.

The controversy centers on Mr. Nnaji's claim to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in July 1985 with a Second Class (Lower Division) in Biochemistry/Microbiology. However, forensic examination of university records and correspondences has exposed significant inconsistencies. Documents show that Mr. Nnaji failed a crucial virology course, MCB 431AB, and was still actively corresponding with UNN authorities in November 1985 and May 1986 regarding opportunities to re-sit the examination. This timeframe directly contradicts his assertion of having graduated in July 1985, indicating he was still an undergraduate months after his purported graduation.

Further discrepancies plague his NYSC certificate, which allegedly states he commenced national service in April 1985 – a period predating his claimed UNN graduation by several months. Moreover, critics highlight that the NYSC discharge certificate curiously bears the name of a wrong Director of the NYSC, signed by a non-existent 'National Director,' leading to claims that the certificate itself is non-existent.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has also contributed to the confusion, issuing conflicting statements regarding Mr. Nnaji's academic status. While a letter dated December 31, 2023, admitted he graduated with a Second Class (Hons) Lower Division, another inquiry received a response from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, dated October 2, 2025, stating that Mr. Nnaji never completed his studies. This contradictory stance has raised questions about the university's own integrity.

In response to these revelations, the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD) group, led by Executive Director Godwin Erheriene, has vehemently demanded Mr. Nnaji's immediate resignation. During a press briefing, Erheriene urged the minister to submit himself to security agencies for a prompt and transparent investigation to uphold public trust and President Tinubu's anti-corruption agenda. GGSMD also issued a threat to occupy the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology if the minister fails to comply.

The group further criticized the State Security Service (SSS) for what they described as a failure to adequately scrutinize Mr. Nnaji's documents during the screening process, asking how such glaring discrepancies managed to bypass security checks. President Tinubu has been urged to handle the matter with transparency, fairness, and urgency, reinforcing that no public official should be immune from scrutiny.

The scandal draws parallels to the case of former finance minister Kemi Adeosun during the Buhari administration, who resigned over a forged NYSC certificate. Legally, forgery, fraud, and perjury are serious offenses in Nigeria, punishable under various sections of the Penal Code, Criminal Code, and Evidence Act, with penalties including up to 14 years imprisonment. Beyond the legal ramifications, the situation raises profound moral and ethical questions about leadership, integrity, and the country's leadership recruitment process.

Many observers point out that the Nigerian Constitution sets a relatively low bar for educational qualifications for public office, requiring only a 'School Certificate level or its equivalent.' This suggests that politicians often needlessly inflate their credentials. Mr. Nnaji, however, created his own problem by claiming qualifications he allegedly did not possess.

Minister Nnaji has reportedly responded by claiming his current travails are a political witch-hunt orchestrated by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah. This defense strategy, along with suggestions of renting crowds for support and playing ethnic cards, highlights the common political dynamics in Nigeria where moral issues can often become entangled in partisan maneuvering. Despite the overwhelming evidence and public outcry, a cynical view suggests that the Nnaji case may not necessarily conclude like Adeosun's, given the complex political landscape and historical precedents.

Ultimately, the Uche Nnaji certificate forgery scandal underscores the critical role of the press and whistleblowers in upholding accountability. It also serves as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges within Nigeria's public service and leadership recruitment processes, where questions of integrity and due diligence often go unaddressed, leaving many to wonder about the quality of leadership bestowed upon the nation.