Minister Quits Cabinet Amid Forged Qualification Row After Head of State’s Instruction

Nigeria’s leader, Bola Tinubu, directed a former cabinet member overseeing innovation, science, and technology to step down over claims that he submitted fake university and youth service papers during his vetting process.

Uche Nnaji, the official in question, faced accusations of creating bogus certificates for a bachelor’s degree and completion of mandatory national service. He had stated that he earned the qualification from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State, back in 1985. However, the institution firmly rejected this, insisting he never finished his studies there.

Close advisers to the president revealed that Tinubu summoned Nnaji to his official residence in Abuja, where he made it clear that resignation was the only option. No threats of dismissal were needed, as the head of state holds the power to appoint and remove such roles.

The trouble began earlier this year when reports surfaced questioning the authenticity of Nnaji’s documents, which he provided to both the president and lawmakers before taking office in 2023. An online outlet sought his academic details from the university through a formal request. On 2 October 2025, the vice-chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, confirmed in writing that no such certificate existed, as Nnaji had not graduated.

In response, Nnaji turned to the Federal High Court in Abuja to block the release or alteration of his student files. In his legal filing, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, he openly admitted that he had not yet picked up his degree document. This directly contradicted the certificate he had earlier presented for approval. On 22 September, Justice Hauwa Yilwa turned down his plea.

Days later, following the public exposure of his court admission, Nnaji tendered his resignation. In his letter, he explained the move as a way to safeguard his personal standing and avoid hindering the government’s key plans for national renewal. He described the backlash as a targeted wave of lies and political smears that had caused him pain and started to disrupt ministry operations.

Nnaji stressed that leaving did not mean he accepted the charges. Instead, he wanted to respect court processes and prevent any further interference with the administration’s goals. He highlighted his lifelong commitment to honest effort and public duty over five decades.

Insiders from the presidency disclosed that the resignation was not entirely voluntary. One senior figure said Tinubu called Nnaji in and simply instructed him to go, leaving little room for debate. Another added that the matter had turned into a major embarrassment for the team, and dragging it out would only worsen the damage. Several colleagues and aides pushed for a swift exit to limit the fallout, viewing Nnaji as a growing burden.

The source also pointed fingers at the university for the delay, noting that its registrar, Celine Nnebedum, had initially assured in December 2023 that Nnaji had indeed graduated. She later withdrew that statement in May and October 2025. This flip-flop may have misled security checks, including those by the Department of State Services.

When asked about holding the security agency accountable for missing the issue during background vetting, the aide shifted some responsibility to the Senate, which also reviewed the papers. A spokesperson for the agency, speaking off the record, defended their thorough work and refused to elaborate further.