Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has resigned from office following allegations of certificate forgery, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepting his decision on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Nnaji, appointed by Tinubu in August 2023, cited persistent blackmail from political opponents as reason for his exit.
In his resignation letter, Nnaji expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria, stating, “I wish to thank you for the confidence reposed in me and for the privilege to serve our great country”. He added that recent political attacks necessitated his decision to step aside.
The controversy surrounds Nnaji’s academic credentials, with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowning a purported Bachelor of Science degree certificate he held, indicating he didn’t graduate or receive the certificate in July 1985. Allegations also question authenticity of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
President Tinubu thanked Nnaji for his service, wishing him well in future endeavors. “President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours,” Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed.
Nnaji had approached a Federal High Court seeking restraint on UNN regarding his records, denying allegations as politically motivated. A substantive hearing on credential authenticity is scheduled for November 10, 2025.
Marking a significant development, Nnaji becomes the first cabinet member to resign from the Tinubu administration, underscoring accountability and integrity focus in public service.
