Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him any degree certificate — a shocking twist that appears to confirm PREMIUM TIMES’ earlier investigation revealing that his academic and NYSC certificates were forged.
After months of controversy over his academic records, Mr Nnaji’s own court filings have now provided clear evidence that he neither completed his degree at UNN nor received any certificate from the institution.
Court Admission Confirms Forgeries
In a case before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Mr Nnaji filed a motion against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and UNN officials. He requested the court to stop the university from “tampering with” his academic records and to compel it to release his transcript.
He also sought an injunction to restrain UNN from disclosing details of his academic history — a move sources say was meant to block public access to his true academic record.
While ruling on September 22, Justice Yilwa granted some of his requests but declined to issue an injunction against the defendants. The case is now adjourned to October 6, 2025, for further hearing.
Nnaji’s Own Words Expose the Truth
In his 34-paragraph verifying affidavit, Mr Nnaji made a startling revelation. Paragraph 12 stated he was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and claimed he “graduated” in 1985.
But paragraph 13 contained the admission that unraveled his story:
“Even though I am yet to collect my certificate from the University of Nigeria due to the non-cooperative attitude of its Vice-Chancellor and Registrar…”
He referenced a letter dated December 21, 2023, which UNN allegedly sent to People’s Gazette, confirming his “graduation.” However, UNN’s Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, later retracted that letter in May 2025, admitting that the school’s records for 1985 contained no trace of Nnaji’s name.
Further confirmation came from UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, who wrote to PREMIUM TIMES on October 3, 2025, stating unequivocally that Mr Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
A senior UNN official added that:
“The truth is that he never graduated. His file is intact and stops at the point where he dropped out.”
Forgery Trail: From UNN to NYSC
By admitting that UNN never issued him a degree certificate, Nnaji has effectively confessed to forging the academic and NYSC documents he presented during his 2023 ministerial screening.
This revelation raises key questions:
If UNN never issued him a certificate, how did he obtain the degree document he submitted?
If he didn’t graduate, how was he eligible for NYSC participation and discharge?
Ahead of his screening on August 1, 2023, Mr Nnaji submitted 109 copies of a 10-page profile to the Senate, claiming he held a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry from UNN. Attached were supposed copies of his degree and NYSC discharge certificates, both of which PREMIUM TIMES has confirmed to be forged.
In his NYSC claims, he said he served at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital in 1985 and later worked at Jos International Breweries — timelines that now appear fabricated.
UNN and Officials Under Scrutiny
Following the discovery of inconsistencies, UNN conducted an internal investigation. The school found that the original letter affirming Nnaji’s graduation was unauthorized, and may have been manipulated by staff in the records office.
The university has since officially confirmed that Nnaji was a former student but did not graduate or receive any academic certification.
Minister Silent Amid Mounting Evidence
Despite repeated attempts by PREMIUM TIMES to obtain his response, Mr Nnaji has refused to comment.
He ignored a detailed written enquiry sent on January 8, 2024, and acknowledged by his office on January 18, 2024. All follow-up calls, messages, and emails have gone unanswered.
With this revelation, pressure is mounting on the federal government to clarify how Nnaji was cleared for ministerial appointment despite glaring discrepancies in his credentials.
Conclusion
Mr Nnaji’s court admission has not only validated PREMIUM TIMES’ long-running investigation but also deepened questions about integrity, vetting, and accountability in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
As the October 6 court hearing approaches, the case may become a defining moment for Nigeria’s fight against certificate forgery and corruption in public office.
