The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has confessed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never awarded him a degree certificate.
An investigation by Premium Times, which lasted two years and was released on Saturday, revealed that Nnaji’s university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate were forged.
The report cited a response to a Freedom of Information request sent by the newspaper, which confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, there is no record showing he completed his studies or graduated in July 1985, as his certificate indicates.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, UNN disowned the certificate currently being displayed by the minister.
“From every available records and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No, RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter,” the letter stated.
Nnaji was confirmed as minister from Enugu State on August 7, 2023, alongside 44 other cabinet members, following their nomination by the Senate on July 7.
He was later appointed to lead the newly created Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
Nnaji admits UNN never issued him certificate
In a new report by the newspaper, Nnaji has, for the first time, admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate — a revelation contained in court filings obtained by Premium Times.
In a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnaji sought to prevent UNN and its officials from “tampering” with his academic records and to compel the release of his transcript.
However, in his supporting affidavit, he revealed that although he completed his studies in 1985, the university never provided him with a certificate.
The minister’s confession confirms the allegations that the degree and NYSC certificates he presented for his 2023 ministerial appointment were forged — raising serious concerns about his credentials and credibility in public service.
