Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his recent resignation from President Tinubu’s cabinet was not an admission of guilt amid the ongoing certificate scandal involving his academic and NYSC records.
Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday following allegations that he falsified his university degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and presented a questionable NYSC discharge certificate. However, he insists that his decision to step down was a “principled choice” made to respect due process and not a sign of wrongdoing.
UNN Certificate Controversy Sparks Minister’s Exit
While Nnaji maintains that he graduated from UNN in 1975, reports surfaced last week claiming the university was unable to verify his academic records. The development quickly triggered a public outcry and mounting pressure for his removal.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” Nnaji said in a public statement issued Tuesday night.
Uche Nnaji Alleges Political Witch-Hunt
In the statement, the former Minister alleged that the certificate forgery accusations were the result of a politically motivated campaign designed to tarnish his reputation and distract from the achievements of the Ministry.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he stated.
He expressed concern that the scandal had begun to distract from the core mandate of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu.
Uche Nnaji Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu Administration
Despite stepping down, Nnaji reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and commended the administration’s efforts to build a technologically driven Nigeria.
“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet,” Nnaji said. “His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear.”
