October 07, (THEWILL) — The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation on Tuesday in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation.
His resignation comes amid controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials.
Earlier reports had alleged that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, disowned the certificate purportedly submitted by the minister.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji described the allegation as politically motivated, accusing unnamed political figures of using the university to tarnish his reputation.
He claimed the institution issued two conflicting reports on his certificate to satisfy a governor allegedly working to remove him from office for political reasons.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji said he had become the target of “sustained blackmail and undue political pressure,” adding that the situation had made his continued stay in office untenable.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who noted that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation.
According to the statement, the President thanked the outgoing minister for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.
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