A federal government panel investigating allegations against the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has confirmed that he forged his University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate.
The seven-member panel was constituted on 23 November 2025 following a petition by Nnaji to the education minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, after an October 2025 report by PREMIUM TIMES alleged that the former minister falsified both his degree and NYSC certificates. The panel submitted its findings to the education minister in December 2025.
In his petition, Nnaji had accused senior UNN officials—including Vice-Chancellor Simon Ortuanya and former Acting Vice-Chancellor Oguejiofor Ujam of tampering with his academic records, issuing unauthorized correspondence, and facilitating media misrepresentation of his academic history.
Led by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department, the panel employed document review, interviews, verification, and technical audits. Members visited UNN, engaged with university officials, and examined academic files, correspondence, convocation archives, registry movement logs, and electronic access records.
The panel found that Nnaji’s name was absent from the 1985 Senate-approved graduation list. Records showed he had failed the course MCB 431 – Virology, and correspondence from 1985–1986 indicated he did not retake or complete the course. Despite this, Nnaji submitted a “purported certificate of graduation” dated July 1985 for his ministerial appointment and confirmation.
The panel questioned how he obtained the certificate, concluding that it was fraudulent. These findings validate prior media reports and confirm that Nnaji misrepresented his academic qualifications to federal authorities.
The government is yet to announce any follow-up actions regarding the former minister’s appointment or potential legal consequences.
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