…says controversy politically driven
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has dismissed reports questioning his academic qualifications, insisting he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.
Although he was expected to address the press in Abuja, Nnaji was represented by Dr. Robert Ngwu, who reaffirmed that the Minister obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division, in July 1985.
Ngwu described the controversy as “political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” adding that official records from UNN — including the 1985 Convocation Brochure and registry documents — confirm the Minister’s credentials beyond doubt.
According to him, the University’s only valid communication on the matter remains a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum. The letter, he said, confirmed that Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985 with a Second Class (Honours) Lower Division degree.
“This remains the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka — properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid,” Ngwu stated.
He expressed surprise that nearly two years after the University’s confirmation, another letter surfaced in May 2025, allegedly denying the Minister’s records. Ngwu questioned the motive, noting that the development coincided with the appointment of two card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as acting and later substantive Vice-Chancellors.
“The question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask is: what changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change in leadership at the University?” he asked.
Ngwu said Chief Nnaji had since approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, seeking protection of his records. On September 22, 2025, the court reportedly issued an order restraining UNN’s management from altering his academic records and directing the immediate release of his transcript.
“These are not speculative claims,” Ngwu said. “They are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which should have settled the matter once and for all.”
He accused the Vice-Chancellor, a lawyer, of ignoring the court’s directives and resorting instead to “cyberbullying and politically motivated media campaigns.”
Ngwu further alleged a coordinated effort to tarnish the Minister’s image for political reasons. “It is no coincidence that the so-called exposés are being driven by partisan actors and amplified by certain media outlets like Premium Times,” he said.
“This is a deliberate campaign to weaponize institutions and discredit a serving Minister committed to national innovation and development.”
Chief Nnaji, in his own statement, said: “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity — it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry. 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 University of Nigeria, Nsukka must uphold its proud motto of restoring the dignity of man. It must regain its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.”
He added that the issue transcends personal reputation: “This is not about one man’s record — it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.”
Despite the controversy, the Ministry said Nnaji remains focused on driving innovation, strengthening Nigeria’s science and technology ecosystem, and promoting research-based industrial growth.
“The Honourable Minister will not be distracted by falsehoods or propaganda,” Ngwu said. “He will continue to serve with integrity, dedication, and focus.”
Ngwu reiterated the Ministry’s position that “Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985,” as officially confirmed in writing on December 21, 2023. He added that UNN’s 1985 Convocation Brochure and permanent archives still bear the Minister’s name and details.
“Any document or statement to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated,” he maintained.
Ngwu concluded by expressing confidence in the judiciary to ensure that justice prevails.
This man trying to cover up on behalf of the minister should also be arrested for aiding and abetting crime. Why didn’t Minister Nnaji address the press conference himself, instead one sycophant just appeared from no where. This has nothing to do with being a PDP member. The University’s academic records has proven that he never graduated and also the NYSC records show fake certificate. These are double criminal cases. Anyone that colluded in committing the crime, including those that examined him before he became a Minister are accessories to crime.