FG Panel Confirms Ex‑Minister Uche Nnaji Forged His UNN Degree Certificate

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji

FG Panel Confirms Ex‑Minister Uche Nnaji Forged His UNN Degree Certificate

A Federal Government investigative panel has officially confirmed that former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The finding comes after a detailed probe into allegations first raised by a PREMIUM TIMES investigation in October 2025.

The seven‑member panel, set up by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on 23 November 2025, was tasked with examining discrepancies in Mr Nnaji’s academic records. Its work was completed and a detailed report submitted to the ministry in December 2025.

The investigation followed a petition from Mr Nnaji accusing senior UNN officials, including Vice‑Chancellor Simon Ortuanya and former Acting Vice‑Chancellor Oguejiofor Ujam, of unethical disclosure, document tampering and manipulation of his academic records.

The panel was chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department in the education ministry, with James Ocheido serving as secretary. Other members included directors from various ministry departments, representatives from the National Universities Commission, and legal and human resources officials.

In carrying out its work, the panel relied on “documentary review, interviews, verification and technical audit”. Investigators visited UNN’s campus in Nsukka, interviewed top officials including the Vice‑Chancellor, Registrar Celine Nnebedum, and examined archival records, transcripts, registry logs, and graduation lists.

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The panel confirmed that Mr Nnaji was admitted to UNN in the 1981/82 academic session to study Biological Sciences, but did not graduate. His name was notably absent from the Senate‑approved 1985 graduation list, and the panel found no records showing he completed all course requirements.

A key piece of evidence was correspondence in his academic file showing that he failed the Virology course (MCB 431AB) and applied to retake it in September 1986 due to illness. However, the panel found no record that he ever retook or passed the failed course.

Despite this, Mr Nnaji had submitted a purported UNN degree certificate dated July 1985 to both the Presidency and the National Assembly of Nigeria during his ministerial confirmation. The panel’s findings confirmed that the certificate was neither issued by UNN nor supported by official graduation records, concluding that the document was forged.

The controversy began when PREMIUM TIMES published an investigation showing that both UNN and the National Youth Service Corps had disowned the degree and NYSC discharge certificates that Mr Nnaji presented. UNN officials, including the Vice‑Chancellor and Registrar, had previously stated that Mr Nnaji neither graduated nor received a degree from the institution, and the NYSC similarly affirmed the discharge certificate he submitted was not authentic.

Mr Nnaji resigned as minister three days after the investigation was published, insisting at the time that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a way to respect due process. He also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to prevent UNN and others from releasing his academic records. However, the court did not grant the injunction before UNN responded to a Freedom of Information request confirming his academic records did not support the credentials he presented.

The panel’s conclusion has reignited public calls for prosecution. Legal practitioners and civil society organisations have argued that certificate forgery is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and that resignation should not be the only consequence. Some have urged the government to prosecute Mr Nnaji to serve as a deterrent against academic fraud in public office.

According to recent reports, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has launched an investigation into the forgery allegations. If the allegations are proven in court, Mr Nnaji could face prosecution and potential sanctions, including being barred from holding public office. Legal experts have also urged reforms to strengthen verification processes for academic and NYSC documentation submitted during public appointments.