Nnaji
PicNews
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has responded to allegations of certificate forgery, describing the claims as “deliberate misinformation” and “politically motivated falsehoods”. He asserts that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), issued him a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1985. Nnaji’s spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, presented documents at a press briefing, including a letter from UNN’s Registrar, dated December 21, 2023, confirming Nnaji’s graduation.
Nnaji acknowledges that he hasn’t collected his degree certificate from UNN but claims this doesn’t invalidate his degree. He attributes the controversy to a political vendetta orchestrated by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Nnaji has threatened to seek legal redress over the allegations.
The controversy began when Premium Times reported that Nnaji’s degree and NYSC certificates were forged, citing discrepancies in his academic records and a letter from UNN’s Vice Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, stating that Nnaji didn’t complete his studies. Nnaji’s camp maintains that the Vice Chancellor’s involvement is an aberration in university protocol, as the Registrar is the lawful custodian of academic records.
Nnaji has obtained protective orders from the Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining UNN’s management from tampering with his academic records and compelling the release of his transcript. The court ruled that while Nnaji had a legitimate interest, his request for an injunction couldn’t be granted. UNN later confirmed that it didn’t issue Nnaji a certificate, stating he didn’t complete his studies
.Nnaji denies forgery allegations, attributing the controversy to political vendetta. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been at the center of conflicting statements regarding Nnaji’s academic credentials, with the Registrar initially confirming his graduation but later denying it.
