A federal government investigative panel has confirmed that former Nigerian Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his University of Nigeria Nsukka degree certificate, validating earlier investigative reports.
FG Panel Confirms Uche Nnaji Forged UNN Degree Certificate
An investigative panel has confirmed that former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), validating earlier investigative reports that exposed the scandal.
The seven-member panel was established by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on November 23, 2025, following a petition submitted by Mr Nnaji challenging reports about his academic records.
After a detailed investigation, the panel submitted its report in December 2025, concluding that Mr Nnaji did not graduate from UNN and was never issued a legitimate certificate by the institution.
How the Investigation Began
The probe was triggered after Mr Nnaji submitted a petition dated October 14, 2025, alleging that senior officials at UNN manipulated his academic records and leaked inaccurate information to the media.
In his complaint, the former minister accused the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, and former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, of issuing unauthorized documents and misrepresenting his academic history.
In response, the education ministry formed a panel to investigate the allegations and verify the authenticity of Mr Nnaji’s academic credentials.
Composition of the Investigation Panel
The investigative panel was chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department in the Federal Ministry of Education. James Ocheido, Deputy Director of the department, served as secretary.
Other members included:
- Ejeh A. U – Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions Department
- U. C. Uba – Director of Colleges of Education Department
- Mohammed Ayuba – Representative of the National Universities Commission (NUC)
- Yusuf Saeed – Director of Human Resources Unit
- Foluso Akinlonu – Director of Legal Services Unit
The panel adopted a comprehensive investigative method that included document verification, interviews, and technical audits.
Panel Conducts On-Site Investigation at UNN
According to the report, panel members visited the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on November 23, 2025, and met with university management to begin their investigation.
Officials interviewed during the process included:
- UNN Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya
- Former Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Oguejiofor Ujam
- Registrar Celine Nnebedum
- Records Unit staff and other administrative personnel
The panel also examined multiple university records including:
- Senate-approved graduation lists
- Convocation archives
- Academic transcripts
- Registry movement logs
- Electronic access records
- Internal correspondence
Findings: Uche Nnaji Did Not Graduate From UNN
The panel’s findings confirmed that although Mr Nnaji was admitted to study Biological Sciences at UNN during the 1981/82 academic session, he never graduated.
Investigators discovered that Mr Nnaji failed a compulsory course — Virology (MCB 431AB) — which prevented him from completing his degree requirements.
A review of the university’s Senate-approved graduation list for 1985 showed that Mr Nnaji’s name was not included among graduating students.
The panel also found correspondence between Mr Nnaji and the university registry dated between November 1985 and May 1986 regarding the failed course.
In a handwritten letter dated May 19, 1986, Mr Nnaji reportedly requested permission to retake the course in September, claiming illness prevented him from sitting the earlier examination.
However, investigators said they found no record indicating that he later retook or passed the course.
Mystery Certificate Submitted for Ministerial Appointment
Despite not completing the program, the panel discovered that Mr Nnaji submitted a certificate dated July 1985 as proof of graduation.
The document was used during his ministerial appointment process and presented to both President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his confirmation.
Investigators questioned how Mr Nnaji obtained the certificate since university records showed he never graduated.
Earlier Investigation Exposed the Scandal
The panel’s findings support an earlier investigative report that first raised concerns about Mr Nnaji’s credentials.
That investigation revealed that although he enrolled at UNN in 1981, he neither graduated nor received a legitimate certificate.
The university later confirmed this through official responses stating that Mr Nnaji had not completed his degree program.
Authorities from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate he presented.
Uche Nnaji Resignation and Calls for Prosecution
Mr Nnaji resigned as minister just three days after the investigation exposing the alleged forgery was published.
His resignation triggered widespread calls for prosecution, with many Nigerians arguing that stepping down was not sufficient punishment for the alleged offense.
Legal practitioner Liborous Oshoma recently criticized the government for failing to prosecute the former minister, stating that individuals involved in certificate forgery should face legal consequences and be barred from public office.
Anti-Corruption Probe For Uche Nnaji Underway
In February, it was reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had launched an investigation into the certificate forgery allegations.
Sources familiar with the investigation say Mr Nnaji could face prosecution if authorities confirm that the certificates he submitted were forged.