Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following mounting allegations of certificate forgery that have trailed his public service career. The Nigeria Education News confirmed that his resignation letter was tendered on Monday, October 7, 2025, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure less than two years after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023. The decision has sparked fresh conversations about integrity and accountability in public office.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and as obtained by The Nigeria Education News, confirmed that President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. According to the statement, the President expressed appreciation for Nnaji’s service and wished him success in his future endeavours. However, the Presidency did not address the allegations directly, leaving the public to draw their own conclusions about the controversy surrounding the minister’s academic credentials.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji thanked President Tinubu for the privilege of serving the nation and for the confidence reposed in him. He described his resignation as a difficult but necessary step, emphasizing that he was stepping aside to prevent what he termed “political blackmail” from distracting the administration’s focus on national development. “I have been a target of relentless misinformation and personal attacks, but I leave with my head held high,” Nnaji stated in his letter.
The embattled former minister has consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations against him were orchestrated by political rivals bent on discrediting his record of service. He claimed that his decision to resign was not an admission of guilt but a sacrifice made to protect the integrity of the Tinubu administration. He also reiterated his belief in the justice system and expressed readiness to defend himself against any formal charges.
The scandal began after investigative journalists unearthed inconsistencies in Nnaji’s educational qualifications. Documents obtained from institutions he claimed to have attended reportedly revealed discrepancies that raised questions about the authenticity of his certificates. The controversy quickly gained traction on social media, with civic groups, students, and anti-corruption activists demanding his resignation and a full-scale investigation into his academic records.
Civil society organizations welcomed his eventual resignation but urged the Federal Government to go beyond mere acceptance and launch a thorough inquiry. Groups such as the Transparency and Accountability Network and the Education Rights Movement called for the verification of the credentials of all serving ministers and top officials, arguing that Nnaji’s case highlighted a systemic failure in Nigeria’s appointment processes.
Political analysts have described Nnaji’s exit as a calculated effort to shield the administration from further embarrassment. Dr. Femi Oladipo, a governance expert at the University of Lagos, noted that “resignation in such circumstances is both a political necessity and a moral obligation.” He added that the Tinubu government could use this opportunity to reform its screening mechanisms to prevent similar scandals in the future.
Reactions within the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology have been mixed. Some directors expressed disappointment over his departure, citing his contributions to research funding, digital innovation, and the promotion of indigenous technology. Others, however, admitted that the certificate controversy had cast a shadow over the ministry’s credibility, particularly in its dealings with international development partners and research institutions.
Opposition parties, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have capitalized on the situation to question the credibility of the Tinubu cabinet. The PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, demanded a full audit of all ministerial appointees’ academic records. It accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of condoning unqualified individuals in leadership positions and warned that such practices undermine the country’s global reputation.
Public opinion remains divided over the minister’s resignation. While some Nigerians see it as a commendable step that sets a precedent for ethical conduct, others believe it is insufficient without legal consequences. Several commentators have argued that stepping down should not exempt Nnaji from prosecution if the forgery allegations are substantiated, emphasizing that accountability must extend beyond political resignation.
As Nigerians await the next steps from the Presidency, the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji underscores the persistent challenge of integrity in governance. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency, due diligence, and institutional reforms in the selection and vetting of public officials. For now, the once-promising technocrat leaves office under a cloud of controversy, marking another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to reconcile politics with ethical leadership.
