President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, following mounting allegations of certificate forgery leveled against him.
Nnaji’s resignation, which came late Monday evening, marks the first major cabinet exit since the inauguration of the current administration. The development followed days of public outrage after reports emerged that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), had denied issuing the degree certificate Nnaji claimed to possess.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu accepted the resignation “in the spirit of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.” The President commended Nnaji for “taking the honorable path” and directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry to oversee the affairs of the ministry pending further appointments.
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Nnaji, a former lawmaker and technocrat, has been under intense scrutiny since the controversy over his academic credentials broke out. In court documents filed recently, Nnaji reportedly admitted that the University never issued him a degree certificate, a confession that further deepened calls for his removal from office.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and transparency advocates had earlier urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to preserve the integrity of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.
Reacting to his resignation, Nnaji, in a brief statement, maintained his innocence, insisting that the allegations were politically motivated. “I have chosen to step aside to allow for an independent investigation. My conscience is clear, and I have faith that the truth will prevail,” he said.
Political analysts described the development as a test case for the government’s anti-corruption stance. They noted that Tinubu’s prompt acceptance of the resignation sends a strong message about accountability in public office.
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Meanwhile, sources within the Presidency hinted that a replacement may soon be announced, as the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology remains key to the administration’s economic diversification and digital economy goals.
Nnaji’s exit adds to the growing debate over the credibility of political officeholders and the need for thorough background checks before appointments into sensitive national positions.
