Breaking News: Minister Nnaji Resigns Amid Certificate Forgery Scandal, Says He’s a Victim of Political Blackmail
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following mounting allegations of certificate forgery levelled against him.
The development was confirmed on Monday by Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, who announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation.
According to Onanuga, the minister tendered his resignation letter to the President, thanking him for the privilege to serve in his administration. Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, had been under public scrutiny in recent weeks after reports emerged questioning the authenticity of his academic credentials.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji described the forgery allegations as a product of “malicious blackmail orchestrated by political adversaries”, insisting that his records remain genuine.
“I remain grateful to President Tinubu for the confidence he reposed in me and for giving me the opportunity to serve my country. I have chosen to step aside to allow for an unfettered investigation into the allegations,” Nnaji stated.
Presidential spokesman Onanuga noted that President Tinubu appreciated the minister’s decision to resign in good faith and commended his contributions to the administration’s drive for technological innovation.
“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
Nnaji’s resignation marks the first major cabinet exit since the formation of President Tinubu’s administration in 2023. It also comes amid renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Federal Executive Council.
