By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Ex-Minister Nnaji Denies Guilt, Says Resignation Was to Uphold Due Process
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was not an admission of guilt over the certificate scandal that has stirred controversy in Nigeria.
Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following allegations that his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate could not be verified.
In a statement released later that night, the former minister said his decision to step down was driven by principle and respect for legal processes, not by any wrongdoing.
“My decision to step aside is a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” Nnaji said.
He described the controversy as a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by opponents to damage his reputation and distract from the work of the ministry.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.
“These unfounded allegations have caused personal distress and disrupted the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
Despite the controversy, Nnaji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration’s vision of a modern, innovative Nigeria.
“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear,” he stated.
The Presidency confirmed on Tuesday that President Tinubu had accepted Nnaji’s resignation. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Nnaji, who was appointed Minister in August 2023, served for a little over a year before stepping down amid the ongoing certificate controversy.
The resignation follows reports alleging that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, could not confirm Nnaji’s 1975 graduation record and that inconsistencies were discovered in his NYSC discharge certificate.
Nnaji has strongly denied the claims, insisting that his credentials are authentic and that the allegations were the handiwork of political opponents.
His resignation marks one of the most notable exits from President Tinubu’s cabinet and has reignited public discussions about accountability, transparency, and the verification of academic qualifications among Nigerian public officials.
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