Minister Nnaji Denies Certificate Forgery Allegation, Insists He Graduated from UNN in 1985
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has dismissed allegations of certificate forgery, insisting that he legitimately graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.
Speaking through his spokesman, Dr Robert Ngwu, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 6th September 2025, Nnaji described the reports questioning his academic credentials as “politically motivated lies” aimed at distracting him from his mandate of advancing innovation and strengthening Nigeria’s science and technology sector.
According to him, the University of Nigeria officially confirmed his graduation in a letter dated 21 December 2023, signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.
He noted that the confirmation is consistent with UNN’s 1985 Convocation Brochure, which, he said, remains part of the institution’s permanent archives.
Nnaji questioned the emergence of a later letter in May 2025 purportedly denying his academic record, alleging that it coincided with the appointment of two card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. He claimed the development signalled political interference in the matter.
The Minister disclosed that he approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, where Justice H.J. Yilwa granted injunctions restraining UNN’s management from tampering with his academic records and compelling the institution to release his transcript.
Nnaji maintained that the case is now before the court, stressing that “the truth is clear, the records are valid, and the law is on the side of justice.”
He called on the University to uphold its motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the integrity of its official records.
He concluded that the controversy was not about his education but about “political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” urging Nigerians to see through what he described as a coordinated campaign to smear his reputation.
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