Fresh revelations have uncovered that Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, may have falsified his academic qualifications. New court documents and investigative reports indicate that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate, despite his claims of graduating from the institution.
The controversy surrounding Nnaji’s qualifications first emerged in July 2023 when President Bola Tinubu nominated him among the first batch of ministers. Almost immediately, questions arose over the authenticity of his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. Critics claimed he never completed his university education, and investigative reports by Premium Times and BusinessDay later alleged that the documents he presented to the Senate and the Presidency were forged.
A two-year investigation revealed that Nnaji, who claimed to have studied Microbiology/Biochemistry at UNN between 1981 and 1985, did not complete all required courses. The investigation uncovered that he failed a core virology course and made multiple re-sit attempts after the period he claimed to have graduated. The findings suggested that his supposed degree and NYSC certificate were not authentic.
In a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnaji sued the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, and several other university officials. Through a motion ex parte, he asked the court to restrain the university from “tampering with” or releasing details of his academic records and to compel it to issue his academic transcript. He also sought an order directing the NUC and the Minister of Education to ensure the university’s compliance.
What has drawn the most attention, however, is what Nnaji revealed in his affidavit. In paragraphs 12 and 13 of his 34-paragraph statement, he admitted that although he enrolled at UNN in 1981 and completed his studies in 1985, the university had never issued him a degree certificate. He attributed this to what he described as the “non-cooperative attitude” of university officials.
UNN has since distanced itself from claims that Nnaji graduated from the institution. In an October 2025 letter, Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya reportedly stated that there were no records showing Nnaji’s completion of studies or award of a degree. However, Nnaji’s team insists that a letter from December 2023 confirmed his graduation with a Second Class (Lower Division) degree, arguing that conflicting records are politically motivated.
The minister’s admission has reignited public outrage and raised serious questions about the government’s vetting process for public officeholders. Civil society groups and opposition lawmakers have called for his suspension and investigation, arguing that his continued stay in office undermines the credibility of an administration that has repeatedly pledged transparency and accountability.
Legal experts warn that Nnaji’s statements could expose him to prosecution under Nigerian law, which criminalizes forgery and the submission of false information for official appointments. For now, the court has adjourned the case, but the proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days.