Former Minister Uche Nnaji's Certificate Forgery Confirmed by Education Panel
A panel established by the Federal Ministry of Education has officially confirmed that Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology under President Bola Tinubu, forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The seven-member investigative committee, constituted on November 23, 2025, submitted its findings to Education Minister Tunji Alausa in December 2025, concluding that Nnaji's academic credentials were fraudulent.
Background of the Certificate Controversy
The scandal first emerged in October 2025 when investigative reports revealed that Nnaji had forged both his UNN degree certificate and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Following these revelations, Nnaji resigned from Tinubu's cabinet and subsequently petitioned the Ministry of Education on October 14, 2025. In his petition, he alleged document tampering, unethical disclosure, and political manipulation of his academic history by UNN officials.
Nnaji specifically accused Vice Chancellor Simon Ortuanya and former Acting Vice Chancellor Oguejiofor Ujam of issuing unauthorized correspondence, facilitating media publications that misrepresented his academic record, and improperly accessing his academic file.
Investigation Details and Panel Composition
The investigative panel was chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department at the ministry, with James Ocheido, Deputy Director of the same department, serving as secretary. Their mandate was to thoroughly examine Nnaji's allegations and verify the authenticity of his academic credentials.
The panel's confirmation of certificate forgery represents a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention to academic integrity within government appointments.
ICPC Parallel Investigation into Certificate Scandal
Concurrently, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched its own investigation into the certificate forgery scandal. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the anti-graft agency has written to George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting documents Nnaji submitted for his ministerial appointment.
The ICPC has also reached out to the Nigerian Senate for the same documents and has questioned UNN Registrar Celine Nnebedum regarding the university's position on the scandal. While it remains unconfirmed whether the ICPC has contacted the NYSC about the forged service certificate, indications suggest discussions between the two agencies are ongoing.
Legal experts note that if sufficient evidence of forgery is established, Nnaji could face prosecution under Nigerian law.
Broader Context of Certificate Verification in Government
This case occurs amid heightened scrutiny of academic credentials within Nigeria's political sphere. In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja recently granted an application filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi seeking investigation into the secondary school certificate of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Justice Binta Nyako authorized the probe into the authenticity of the minister's WAEC certificate.
The Nnaji certificate scandal underscores ongoing challenges with document verification in public appointments and raises questions about the screening processes for ministerial nominees. As both the education ministry panel and ICPC continue their investigations, the case highlights the importance of academic integrity in Nigeria's governance structures.
