Minister disputes forgery allegations, demands transparency
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has publicly urged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic transcript without further delay.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, during a media briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the minister decried what he described as an unjust delay and politically motivated interference by the university in the release of his academic records.
Chief Nnaji stated that he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in 1985. According to him, the university has no justification for withholding his transcript nearly four decades after his graduation.
Allegations of certificate forgery surface
The minister’s appeal follows allegations of certificate forgery that emerged after his appointment in 2023. Critics claim that the academic documents he submitted may not be genuine. However, Nnaji has firmly denied the accusations, presenting multiple documents to substantiate his claims.
During the press briefing, his spokesperson revealed that the university had initially confirmed the minister’s graduation in a letter dated 2023. However, the university reportedly reversed its stance in May 2025, stating there was no record of his graduation—an act the minister described as “economical with the truth.”
Graduation brochure and registrar’s letter presented
To further support his claim, the minister presented a copy of the 1985 graduation brochure from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The brochure featured his name as “Nnaji Uchenna G.” along with his photograph, appearing among the listed graduates for that year.
Additionally, he shared a letter issued by the university’s registrar, Dr. Mrs. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum. The letter confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 and completed his degree program in 1985. While questions have been raised about variations in the name—specifically between “Nnaji Uchenna G.” and “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji”—the spokesperson dismissed the concern, noting that many Igbo names are interchangeable and can be shortened or translated differently without compromising identity.
Minister takes legal action over withheld transcript
According to Nnaji, once he learned of attempts by university authorities to allegedly tamper with his academic records for political reasons, he filed a legal suit against the vice chancellor and other management officials at UNN.
He emphasized that the court issued an injunction mandating the university to release his transcript. Despite the court’s directive, the minister claims the university has refused to comply and instead engaged in “cyberbullying and politically motivated media campaigns” against him.
Minister warns against politicizing academic institutions
The minister expressed deep concern over what he views as a dangerous trend of politicizing educational institutions in Nigeria. He called on UNN to maintain its integrity and adhere to its motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man.”
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity—it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” Nnaji stated. “The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
A call to uphold institutional integrity
Nnaji concluded by urging the university to reaffirm the authenticity of its official records and resist political interference. He stated that this is not just about his personal reputation, but about the credibility of Nigerian educational institutions as a whole.
“This is not about one man’s record—it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics,” he said.
