In a dramatic twist of political fate, the Nnaji certificate forgery resigns headline now dominates Nigerian news as President Bola Tinubu formally accepts the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The resignation came in the wake of explosive allegations that he presented forged academic credentials during his nomination process.

President Tinubu, on Tuesday evening, accepted the ministerial exit of Nnaji following a letter in which Nnaji thanked the President for the opportunity to serve. Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development. While the official statement did not detail the allegations, sources indicate that Nnaji was pressured to step down to preserve decorum, rather than be publicly dismissed.

The resignation follows an investigative report by Premium Times, which claimed that Nnaji’s degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was not genuine. The report said that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he never completed the requirements for graduation and was never awarded a degree—contrary to what he submitted during his ministerial confirmation.

The controversy deepened when it emerged that UNN’s Vice Chancellor later denied issuing the certificate, contradicting earlier claims by the Registrar. Nnaji, in turn, submitted a suit challenging the university and others, seeking to restrain them from “tampering” with his academic record.

At a press briefing, Nnaji’s spokesperson insisted that the allegations were politically motivated and not determinative of guilt. He said the minister has transcripts and documentation to show he graduated and accused the university of being pressured by political actors. Still, the political damage had been done. His exit marks him as the eighth minister to leave Tinubu’s cabinet since 2023.

Critics argue that the Nnaji certificate forgery resigns affair is symptomatic of deeper problems in Nigeria’s vetting system for public officials, and raises serious questions about accountability in government appointments. Unless systemic reforms follow, similar scandals may continue to erode public trust.