THE Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his decision to resign from office was not an admission of wrongdoing amid the controversy over his academic and NYSC credentials.
Nnaji, who stepped down yesterday, insisted that he earned his degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, despite reports claiming the institution could not verify his academic records.
In a statement released yesterday night, the former minister explained that his resignation was a “personal and principled choice” made to allow due process to take its course.
“My decision to step aside is not an admission of guilt but a move to respect the sanctity of due process and preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said.
Nnaji further alleged that the certificate scandal was a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by his opponents to tarnish his reputation.
“Over the past week, I have faced a calculated campaign of falsehood and malicious attacks targeting my integrity and office across various media platforms. These baseless allegations have caused personal distress and threatened to distract from the critical work of the Ministry and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued loyalty to his administration’s vision for a technologically driven Nigeria.
“I remain deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust he placed in me and for the privilege of serving in his cabinet. I will continue to support his transformative goals for the country,” Nnaji said.
President Tinubu has since accepted Nnaji’s resignation.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked the former minister for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology until his resignation this week.