By Ayo Kehinde
The Presidency has stated that it will take no action on the alleged certificate forgery involving the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, until the court rules on the matter.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed this position, explained that since the case is already before the Federal High Court, the government will await the court’s decision before making any move.
The clarification comes after revelations that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the certificate allegedly submitted by Nnaji.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the institution said records showed that Nnaji, with matriculation number 1981/30725, was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 but did not complete his studies.
“From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current minister of science and technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study. “Following the above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and, consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate in July 1985 to Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji”, UNN said.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Nnaji, who dismissed the allegation as politically motivated, accused the university authorities of trying to dent his image by issuing two conflicting reports regarding his certificate, all in a bid to satisfy a governor who wanted him out of office so as to enhance his political position.
Earlier in September, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained UNN from altering Nnaji’s academic records and directed the institution to issue his transcript.
Nnaji said that despite the court injunction compelling the university to release his academic transcript to him, the vice chancellor has refused to do so, but continued to engage in cyberbullying and a politically motivated media trial against him.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry. The timing, the sources, the false documents and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Court has fixed November 10, 2025, for a hearing on the matter.
