President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following growing allegations surrounding his academic credentials.
Nnaji, who was appointed to the cabinet in August 2023, tendered his resignation on October 7, 2025. In his letter, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and described himself as a “target of political blackmail.”
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu thanked Nnaji for his contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors.
The resignation comes amid mounting controversy over alleged certificate forgery involving Nnaji’s academic and NYSC documents. Investigative reports claimed discrepancies in the certificates he presented for ministerial screening, prompting widespread public scrutiny.
Several civic organizations and opposition figures had called for his removal, urging the federal government to uphold integrity and transparency in public service. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Nnaji claimed to have studied, reportedly denied issuing the certificate in question, deepening the controversy.
Nnaji’s aides have rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated attacks intended to tarnish his reputation. Despite their defense, pressure continued to grow until his eventual resignation.
President Tinubu is expected to announce a replacement for the Innovation, Science, and Technology portfolio in the coming days. Meanwhile, observers are calling for a formal investigation into the forgery claims to restore public confidence in government appointments.
This development adds to the list of cabinet shakeups under Tinubu’s administration and raises further questions about vetting procedures for top government officials.
