Amanze Chinonye
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has disowned a Bachelor’s degree certificate submitted by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, declaring that the document did not originate from the institution.
The development, confirmed in a letter dated October 2, 2025, and obtained by Premium Times, raises serious questions over the minister’s academic credentials and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) record.
According to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, official records show that while Nnaji was admitted to study Microbiology in 1981 with matriculation number 1981/30725, there is no record that he completed his studies or graduated.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, did not and consequently could not have issued the purported certificate,” the Vice-Chancellor stated in response to a Freedom of Information request from Premium Times.
The investigative report revealed that Nnaji failed to sit for and pass key courses, including Virology (MCB 431AB), and therefore did not meet the requirements for graduation. Archival records reviewed by the publication also showed that his name was absent from the official 1985 graduation list and from the Order of Proceedings for the university’s 20th convocation ceremony.
The latest disclosure contradicts an earlier statement by the university’s Registrar, who had in December 2023 told People’s Gazette that Nnaji graduated in July 1985. The university has since reversed that position, confirming that the minister was not among the graduating students of that year.
NYSC Also Denies Certificate
The controversy deepened after the NYSC stated that it had no record of Nnaji’s claimed service year or discharge certificate, which he purportedly obtained in 1986. A forensic review of the document revealed several anomalies, including signature inconsistencies and factual errors.
The certificate bears the signature of Colonel Animashaun Braimoh, who only became NYSC Director in 1988 two years after the date inscribed on Nnaji’s document. It also carries the title “National Director,” a designation not in use at the time, and features an alphanumeric serial number (“A231309”) that deviates from the purely numeric format used in the 1980s.
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Further discrepancies were found in the stated service period: the certificate claims that Nnaji served from April 16, 1985, to May 15, 1986 a 13-month span. However, the NYSC programme runs for a maximum of 12 months, and the dates would imply that Nnaji began national service three months before his supposed university graduation.
Heightened Scrutiny Over Tinubu’s Cabinet
The minister, appointed in August 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, has not responded to repeated inquiries from Premium Times regarding the authenticity of his credentials.
The findings have sparked renewed scrutiny over the vetting process for ministerial nominees and the integrity of credentials presented during Senate confirmation. If validated, the revelations could mark yet another scandal in the Tinubu administration, already facing questions of transparency and due diligence.
Both UNN and the NYSC have affirmed their positions in writing, while no official reaction has been received from the Presidency or the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation as of press time.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, 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 Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the 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.
