Amanze Chinonye
The controversy over the academic credentials of Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has deepened following his admission in court that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate.
In an affidavit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnaji stated that although he completed his studies in 1985, he has “yet to collect” any certificate from the university. The disclosure comes amid an ongoing investigation into inconsistencies surrounding the academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates he presented during his 2023 ministerial screening.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who presides over the case, granted part of Nnaji’s request seeking to compel UNN to release his academic transcript but declined to issue an injunction restraining the institution from acting on its records. The matter has been adjourned to October 6, 2025, for further hearing.
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UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, reaffirmed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, that Nnaji neither completed his programme nor graduated from the institution.
This position contradicts an earlier claim by the university’s Registrar in December 2023, which stated that Nnaji graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology a statement the university has since withdrawn.
The minister’s court statement aligns with the findings of a Premium Times investigation which revealed that Nnaji’s name was missing from the university’s 1985 convocation list and that several discrepancies were found in the NYSC discharge certificate he presented.
However, while Nnaji admitted that he never received a certificate from UNN, there is no direct evidence or official ruling indicating that he confessed to forging the document. The authenticity of the certificate and the legality of its use remain subjects of judicial review.
The case has sparked renewed scrutiny over the screening and verification processes for ministerial nominees, raising questions about due diligence and institutional accountability within President Tinubu’s administration.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
