Minister of Innovation, Uche Nnaji, Caught in Certificate Scandal as UNN and NYSC Disown His Credentials

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has found himself at the center of a major certificate scandal after the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree he claims to possess. An investigation conducted by Premium Times revealed that the university insists Nnaji never graduated from the institution, casting serious doubt on the authenticity of his academic and professional records.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon Ortuanya, while Nnaji was indeed admitted into the institution in 1981, official records show that he did not complete his studies and was therefore never awarded a degree. The revelation has ignited outrage and calls for Nnaji’s resignation, with critics accusing him of deceiving the public and violating the standards expected of public officeholders.

The scandal worsened when the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also disowned the certificate of national service that Nnaji has been parading. According to sources within the NYSC, the certificate could not be found in the Corps’ database and appeared to be “strange and unauthentic.” This development raises the likelihood that both his degree and NYSC documents are forged, a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law.

The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, senior officials reportedly expressed shock over the allegations, describing the development as “deeply embarrassing” to the ministry and the federal government.

Nnaji’s case adds to a long list of controversies involving prominent Nigerian politicians and public officers accused of forging academic certificates or falsifying NYSC credentials. The scandal echoes several past incidents that sparked national debates over integrity, accountability, and the vetting process for government appointments.

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Kemi Adeosun’s Forged NYSC Exemption Certificate

One of the most notable certificate scandals in Nigeria’s political history involved Kemi Adeosun, who served as Minister of Finance under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Appointed in 2015, Adeosun was accused of presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate. Investigations by Premium Times revealed that the certificate she presented was dated 2009 but bore the signature of an NYSC Director-General who had already left office months earlier, indicating forgery.

The NYSC later confirmed that Adeosun applied for an exemption but stopped short of verifying the authenticity of the certificate she used. Under immense public pressure, Adeosun resigned in September 2018, admitting she had obtained the certificate in “good faith,” unaware that it might have been forged.

Although a Federal High Court in Abuja later ruled in 2021 that Adeosun was not legally required to present an NYSC certificate since she was ineligible for service at the time she graduated, the controversy permanently tainted her public image.

Adebayo Shittu’s Non-Participation in NYSC

Another scandal erupted around Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications, who admitted that he did not participate in the mandatory NYSC scheme after graduating from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1978. Shittu argued that his early election into the Oyo State House of Assembly served as a form of “higher service,” but the NYSC maintained that such political service did not replace the one-year national service mandated by law.

While Shittu was not accused of forgery, his failure to complete NYSC sparked controversy and raised legal questions about his eligibility to hold public office. Despite the uproar, no punitive action was taken against him, and he completed his ministerial term under Buhari’s administration.

Hannatu Musawa’s Appointment During NYSC Service

In 2023, Hannatu Musawa, the current Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, was accused of violating NYSC regulations after it was revealed that she was still a serving corps member when she was appointed minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Critics argued that it was illegal for a corps member to hold public office during active service.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and several civil society groups filed lawsuits demanding her removal. However, in April 2024, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court dismissed the suit, stating that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge her appointment. Despite the legal reprieve, questions linger about the propriety of her appointment and whether it violated the spirit of the NYSC Act.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s Certificate Controversy

Similarly, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, faced scrutiny in 2023 when reports emerged that his NYSC discharge certificate contained discrepancies in dates and details. Critics alleged that he completed his service while already serving as a federal lawmaker, which would violate NYSC rules.

Following an investigation, the NYSC clarified that Tunji-Ojo’s certificate was authentic. According to the Corps, he was originally mobilised in 2006, absconded, and was later remobilised in 2019, eventually completing his service in February 2023. Although the clarification exonerated him, the overlap between his political duties and NYSC service fueled further debate about ethics and transparency in governance.

Stella Oduah’s Longstanding NYSC Scandal

Another prominent case is that of Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation and senator for Anambra North. The NYSC disclosed that Oduah was mobilised in the 1982/83 service year but absconded shortly after orientation, never completing her service or receiving a discharge certificate.

Despite this, Oduah allegedly claimed in her INEC Form CF001 that she completed the NYSC programme, attaching an affidavit and police extract to support her claim that her certificate was “missing.” The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later filed eight-count charges against her for perjury and falsification of documents. The case remains in court, with Oduah maintaining her innocence and alleging political persecution.

Broader Implications for Governance and Accountability

The Uche Nnaji scandal underscores a persistent pattern of credential falsification and ethical misconduct among Nigerian public officials. Analysts argue that these repeated controversies reflect systemic weaknesses in the vetting processes for appointments and the lack of accountability in government institutions.

Civil society groups have called for President Tinubu to suspend Nnaji pending the outcome of investigations by the NYSC and UNN. Legal experts note that if the allegations are proven true, the minister could face prosecution for forgery, perjury, and criminal misrepresentation under Nigerian law.

As Nigeria continues to battle corruption and institutional decay, the controversy surrounding Nnaji has reignited public debate about the moral standards of leadership. Many Nigerians now question how individuals with questionable academic and service records continue to ascend to high office without proper scrutiny.

Conclusion

The unfolding scandal involving Uche Nnaji serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s governance system. From Adeosun to Shittu, Musawa, Tunji-Ojo, and Oduah, the pattern of certificate-related controversies highlights deep flaws in political accountability.

If proven guilty, Nnaji’s case would further erode public trust in government institutions and reinforce the perception that integrity is optional in Nigerian politics. For now, Nigerians await the official findings from the University of Nigeria and the NYSC, as the credibility of yet another minister hangs in the balance.