Certificate Forgery: Nigeria Minister Battles for Survival, as University Insists He's a Drop-Out

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By Reporter

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Godfrey Uche Nnaji is insisting that he did not forge the certificate of University of Nigeria and that of the National Youth Service Corps, stating that he graduated from UNN in 1985.

Nnaji, made the defying position yesterday, September 6, 2025, at a press conference where through his media aide, declared that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1985 with second class lower division.

Nnaji vowed that he would not be distracted by the allegation of certificate forgery leveled against him by Vice Chancellots who are card carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Nnaji, made denial at a press conference in Abuja that was addressed by Dr. Robert Ngwu, media aide to the troubled minister. He insisted that he was a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.

He further said that the fact was not in doubt, stressing that it was documented in the University’s own records, acknowledged in its official correspondence, and reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remained part of UNN’s permanent archives

According to Nnaji; “The only authentic letter issued by the University of Nigeria on this matter is the one dated 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

“That official communication, written in response to People’s Gazette inquiry, confirmed that: Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.

“That was the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid.

“Two years later, in May 2025, a purported letter surfaced, allegedly written by the University, suddenly claiming that there were “no records” of the Minister’s graduation.

“The question every Nigerian should ask is simple and logical: What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 – apart from the fact that two card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University?

Dr Ngwu explained that when Nnaji got wind of attempts within the University to tamper with or alter his academic file, he immediately sought legal redress by approaching the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, presided over by Hon. Justice H. J. Yilwa.

He added that, “On 22 September 2025, the Court granted a series of protective orders, including: An injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from tampering or continuing to tamper with the Honourable Minister’s academic records.

“An order of mandamus compelling the University to release his academic transcript, and a directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance through their disciplinary powers.

“These are not speculative claims; they are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. That alone should settle the matter. Unfortunately, instead of adhering strictly to the valid court order, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer by profession, resorted to cyberbullying and a politically motivated media trial against Chief Uche Nnaji.

“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry.

The minister’s trouble started in July 2023 when President Tinubu included him among the first batch of ministerial nominees. Soon after the announcement, critics questioned the authenticity of his academic and NYSC certificates and also accused him that he never completed his university education at UNN.

What followed was an investigation report by Premium Times which alleged that both Nnaji’s bachelor’s degree and NYSC discharge certificate submitted by the minister were forgeries.

Until recently, Nnaji had not publicly responded to the allegations. But rather approached a court to douce the growing media interest in his case. Curiously, the documents he pleaded in court have now revealed his side and his own statements confirmed that he never received a certificate from UNN.

In paragraph 12, he said he was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 and that he completed the programme in 1985. But in the following paragraph, he stated that he had not been issued a certificate, blaming “the non-cooperative attitude” of UNN officials for his inability to collect it.

He cited a letter issued by the university in December 2023 to People’s Gazette, confirming that he was indeed a student who “graduated” in 1985 with a Second Class (Lower Division) degree. However, this letter did not include or represent an actual certificate and his court filing indirectly confirmed that he does not possess one.

By admitting that the university never issued him a certificate, Nnaji has, in essence, validated the claims of forgery earlier made against him.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof Simon Ortuaghan confirmed to Premium Times that: “Mr. Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree by the university.”

These printed letters closed decades of quit denial—as both NYSC and UNN have disowned the certificates Nnaji presented to the Nigerian Senate for clearance as minister.

The question now is no longer about Nnaji’s past, but on what will happen to him next.