The Presidency has said it will not take any action regarding the certificate forgery allegations against the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, until the court delivers its ruling on the matter.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this position clear while addressing journalists on Monday. He explained that since the controversy is already a subject of litigation, the Federal Government will allow the judicial process to run its course before deciding on the next steps.
The clarification follows reports that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has distanced itself from the academic certificate allegedly presented by the minister.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the university stated that available records show Nnaji was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in 1981 but did not complete the programme.
“From every available record and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985. There are no records of his completion of study. Consequently, the University DID NOT and COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate,” the letter read in part.
The minister has, however, strongly denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, he accused the university authorities of issuing contradictory reports about his academic records to serve the interests of a state governor who, according to him, wants him removed from office for political reasons.
Nnaji also faulted the university’s refusal to release his academic transcript despite a court order. In September, the Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained UNN from tampering with his records and directed the institution to issue the transcript.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry,” Nnaji said. “The timing, the sources, the false documents and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
The case has been scheduled for hearing on November 10, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.