EXPOSED: How Tinubu’s Minister reportedly forged his university degree and NYSC certificate

By: Sunday Ameh

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has disowned the degree certificate claimed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, stating that the minister neither completed his studies at the institution nor graduated at any time.

The controversy over Mr. Nnaji’s academic qualifications first surfaced in July 2023, shortly after President Bola Tinubu nominated him into the Federal Executive Council. Since then, critics have consistently alleged that both his Bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate were forged.

In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by PREMIUM TIMES, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that although Nnaji gained admission in 1981 to study Biological Sciences, he never graduated.

“We are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated… there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” Ortuanya wrote in a letter dated October 2, 2025.

This official clarification directly contradicted an earlier claim in December 2023 by the university’s registrar, Celine Nnebedum, who had initially stated that Nnaji graduated in 1985 before later retracting the statement in May 2025 after further verification.

The PREMIUM TIMES two-year investigation, triggered by a whistleblower tip in October 2023, also cast serious doubt on the authenticity of Nnaji’s NYSC certificate.

Findings revealed that the certificate carried the signature of Animashaun Braimoh, who only served as NYSC Director-General between 1988 and 1990, years after the certificate’s stated issuance date of May 1986. The document also bore the title “National Director,” a designation that did not exist until the 1990s.

The NYSC, when approached, confirmed that it had no record of the certificate and could not authenticate it.

Investigators further noted discrepancies in the stated service duration, which indicated 13 months instead of the statutory 12 months.

Equally troubling was the contradiction between Nnaji’s purported graduation and NYSC enrollment.

His certificate claimed graduation in July 1985, yet his service year allegedly began in April 1985—three months earlier, a timeline never recorded in NYSC’s history.

University records additionally show that Nnaji struggled academically, failing several key courses, including Virology (MCB 431AB), and was advised to withdraw over absenteeism and uncompleted retakes. His name was missing from the official 1985 convocation list.

Despite repeated attempts for his reaction, including an official letter sent in January 2024, Mr. Nnaji has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The revelations have sparked renewed calls for accountability and stricter vetting of public officials in Nigeria.

Analysts say the scandal highlights the urgent need for thorough verification of credentials submitted for high office to safeguard governance integrity.