Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has rejected suggestions that his resignation was driven by guilt, insisting instead that he stepped down to safeguard his personal integrity and the reputation of the government.
Nnaji resigned on Tuesday, October 7, amid escalating controversy surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials following a PREMIUM TIMES investigation that exposed discrepancies in his claimed educational background.
The investigation revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, officially disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in Nnaji’s possession. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never issued a certificate.
In response, Nnaji released a personally signed statement asserting that his resignation was not an admission of wrongdoing but rather a principled decision aimed at preserving his lifelong reputation and allowing due process to unfold.
“After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he wrote.
The former minister characterized the allegations against him as politically motivated blackmail designed to “tarnish his name and distract from the ministry’s ongoing work under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Over the past week, an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” Nnaji stated.
He continued, “These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he declared. “In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
Nnaji’s resignation follows weeks of intense scrutiny over his academic credentials and represents one of the most prominent departures from President Tinubu’s cabinet since its inauguration. His exit has reignited debates about verification processes for public officeholders and the enforcement of standards for ministerial appointments in Nigeria.
