A former Nigerian Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned amidst allegations of certificate forgery. The accusations stem from claims that Nnaji did not complete his university education and forged both his Bachelor’s Degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates. These documents were reportedly presented to President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Department of State Services, and the Senate.
Nnaji’s resignation came after a period of “sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks” against him, according to a statement he released. Despite his insistence on innocence, lawyer and activist Frank Tietie believes Nnaji’s decision to step down is an admission of guilt. Tietie is calling for severe punishment, suggesting it should exceed the two-year prison term handed to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sanusi Buhari, who was convicted of forging a Toronto University certificate.
The allegations against Nnaji have sparked concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system. Tietie emphasized that the case highlights systemic failures in verification processes and potentially undermining the administration of President Tinubu. He also noted that Nnaji’s actions could be considered an abuse of the court process.
In light of the Supreme Court’s principle that individuals who use illegal certificates must refund any benefits acquired through their use, Tietie expects Nnaji to return any gains he made while in office. This development comes as the Nigerian government continues to grapple with issues of authenticity and accountability in public office.
The resignation of Uche Nnaji has significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the context of certificate forgery allegations. As the country navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the government will address the issue of accountability and transparency in public office. With the call for severe punishment and potential refunds, the case is likely to have far-reaching consequences for Nnaji and the Nigerian educational system as a whole.
