UNN Denies Issuing Degree to Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji

UNN Denies Issuing Degree to Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has officially disowned the academic credentials of Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, insisting that the minister never graduated from the institution as claimed.

In a formal response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted into the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1981, available records show that he did not complete the programme and therefore could not have graduated in July 1985, as reflected in documents he reportedly submitted for official use.

“From our records, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji was indeed admitted, but he did not fulfill graduation requirements. The University of Nigeria did not issue him a Bachelor’s degree in 1985, or at any other time,” the university stated.

The disclosure has triggered fresh controversy over the authenticity of the minister’s academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials. Critics allege that parts of his profile may have been forged to secure political appointments, while civil society organizations are already calling for an investigation by relevant authorities.

Nnaji, a prominent political figure from Enugu State and one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet members, has yet to publicly respond to the university’s denial. Attempts to reach his media aides have so far been unsuccessful.

This revelation further fuels Nigeria’s long-standing concerns over certificate scandals among political office holders, raising urgent questions about accountability, transparency, and due diligence in public service appointments.

For the

of Nigeria, the declaration is part of what it describes as a commitment to “protecting its reputation and ensuring that no fraudulent claims are associated with the institution.”

As the controversy deepens, public pressure is mounting on both the Presidency and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and determine whether perjury or forgery charges should follow.