In a stunning revelation that has rocked Nigeria’s political and educational landscape, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly confessed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate — an admission that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability at the highest levels of government.
According to a detailed investigative reports, the minister’s revelation came in the form of a sworn affidavit and legal documents submitted in court, confirming that he never received a university certificate from UNN, despite claiming to have graduated in 1985. The confession has been interpreted by many as a direct admission of certificate forgery, raising serious questions about his qualification, integrity, and eligibility to hold public office.
Background: How the Scandal Began
The controversy surrounding Uche Nnaji’s credentials first gained public attention after a two-year investigative report alleged that both his university degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate were forged.
The report claimed that the documents he presented during his ministerial screening by the Nigerian Senate did not originate from the recognized institutions they purported to represent.
Despite the allegations, Nnaji was confirmed and sworn in as Minister of Science and Technology in 2023 under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For months, the minister remained silent while critics and investigative journalists demanded transparency regarding his educational background.
However, the recent disclosure — emerging from Nnaji’s own legal filings — has now placed him at the center of what many describe as one of the most shocking political confessions in Nigeria’s recent history.
The Minister’s Confession in Court
Documents obtained by Premium Times revealed that Nnaji filed a suit against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the National Universities Commission (NUC), and certain university officials.
In his court filing, he sought an order compelling UNN to release his academic transcript and prevent any tampering with his academic records.
In the sworn affidavit attached to his motion, the minister stated that he was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and that he “graduated” in 1985. However, he admitted that the university never issued him a physical certificate, citing what he described as the non-cooperative attitude of the university’s registry officials at the time.
This admission — that UNN never issued him a certificate — effectively validates earlier reports that questioned the authenticity of his credentials.
Conflicting University Records Deepen the Controversy
Following the court filings, further investigation into UNN’s internal records revealed deep inconsistencies.
In December 2023, UNN reportedly issued a letter stating that Uche Nnaji graduated with a Second Class (Lower Division) degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry. However, this claim was later withdrawn after the university registrar and other top officials recanted.
A subsequent audit of the 1985 graduation records showed no trace of Nnaji’s name in the official list of graduates for that academic year.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor later confirmed that Nnaji did not complete his academic programme and was never awarded a degree by UNN.
This contradiction — an initial letter affirming graduation, followed by a denial — has fueled suspicions of possible manipulation or internal compromise within the university’s record system.
What This Means: Legal and Political Implications
Analysts say Nnaji’s affidavit amounts to a public confession of forgery, since the documents he used for official screening and ministerial confirmation were allegedly not issued by the university or NYSC.
If proven in court, the implications could be severe:
- Perjury and Forgery Charges:
Presenting forged academic documents to the Nigerian Senate or any government body is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. - Loss of Ministerial Position:
Should the allegations be confirmed, the minister could face immediate removal from office and a possible ban from holding public positions in the future. - Damage to Government Credibility:
The revelation casts serious doubt on the vetting processes used for political appointments and raises broader concerns about the integrity of leadership in public institutions. - Possible Investigations by EFCC or ICPC:
Anti-corruption agencies could initiate formal investigations into how such documents were used to secure a ministerial appointment, potentially uncovering wider networks of document forgery or fraud.
Public Reaction: Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The Nigerian public has responded with shock, anger, and disbelief since the news broke. On social media, many Nigerians are demanding the minister’s immediate resignation and prosecution, arguing that his continued stay in office undermines the government’s anti-corruption agenda.
Several civil society organizations and student bodies have also condemned the scandal, urging President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability by taking decisive action.
Prominent voices within the education sector have expressed disappointment that the name of a respected institution like UNN could be drawn into such controversy.
One lecturer from the university, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as “an embarrassment to the entire Nigerian academic community.”
The Silence from the Minister’s Office
Despite repeated attempts by journalists to obtain comments or clarifications, Minister Uche Nnaji has remained silent on the issue. His media aides have also declined to respond to inquiries, further fueling speculation and public distrust.
Observers believe that his silence is strategic, possibly awaiting the outcome of the ongoing court case. However, critics argue that continued silence only deepens suspicion and erodes whatever credibility remains.
Broader Lessons: Certificate Fraud and Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis
The scandal once again exposes a recurring problem in Nigeria’s political and educational systems — the prevalence of certificate forgery among public officials.
From local government officials to legislators and ministers, numerous past cases have revealed how fake academic documents are used to gain power, influence, or access to public office.
Education experts say the issue persists because screening and verification processes are often weak or compromised by corruption.
They call for stronger collaboration between universities, regulatory agencies, and the government to ensure that only verified academic credentials are accepted for public appointments.
What Happens Next?
The case is still unfolding. As the court processes continue, public attention remains fixed on the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Federal Government’s next steps.
If the allegations are upheld, this could lead to one of the most significant political dismissals in recent years — and perhaps, a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against document fraud in governance.
For now, Nigerians are watching closely, demanding justice, transparency, and integrity in a system long tainted by corruption and deceit.
Key Takeaway
Uche Nnaji’s confession that UNN never issued him a certificate has opened a Pandora’s box of legal, moral, and institutional questions.
It is not just about one man’s qualifications — it’s about the integrity of Nigeria’s leadership, the sanctity of its universities, and the public’s right to accountability.
