Certificate Scandal: Advocacy Group Demands Science Minister’s Resignation Over Alleged Forgery
A civil society organization has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following revelations of alleged certificate forgery in his credentials submitted for ministerial appointment.
The Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD) made this demand during a press conference held on Monday, citing recent investigative findings by PREMIUM TIMES that exposed discrepancies in Mr. Nnaji’s academic and national service credentials.
The controversy surrounding Nnaji’s qualifications emerged shortly after his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in July 2023, as part of the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees. PREMIUM TIMES’ two-year investigation concluded that both Nnaji’s Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate were allegedly forged.
During the press briefing, GGSMD’s Executive Director, Godwin Erheriene, outlined specific demands for the minister. These included stepping down from his position and voluntarily submitting himself to security agencies for investigation, rather than pursuing legal action that would “waste taxpayers’ money.”
The organization threatened to initiate peaceful protests at the Federal Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology if their demands are not met. Erheriene also questioned the effectiveness of the State Security Service (SSS) screening process, noting that proper scrutiny should have identified these discrepancies before the ministerial confirmation.
“If the government is serious about fighting corruption and preserving the integrity of public office, no member of the cabinet should be immune from scrutiny,” Erheriene emphasized, calling on President Tinubu to address the situation with transparency and urgency.
The allegations come as a significant test for President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts, particularly given that Nnaji’s appointment occurred just two months after the president assumed office on May 29, 2023.