FORMER Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from the Federal Executive Council was not an admission of guilt but a personal and principled decision to protect the integrity of due process amid allegations over his academic and NYSC certificates.
News Point Nigeria reports that Nnaji, who tendered his resignation letter on Tuesday, has been at the centre of a growing controversy surrounding the authenticity of his degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
While he insists that he graduated from UNN in 1975, reports emerged suggesting that the institution could not verify his academic records, prompting widespread speculation and public criticism.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Nnaji said the decision to step down did not come easily but was borne out of his desire to respect the rule of law and prevent his personal controversy from distracting the government’s agenda.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he stated.
“In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
The former minister described the scandal as a politically motivated campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and undermining his contributions to national development.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation, expressing appreciation for his service and wishing him success in his future endeavours.
A statement issued late Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development.
“President Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Chief Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. The President thanks him for his service to the nation and wishes him well in his future pursuits,” the statement read.
Nnaji, a seasoned entrepreneur and technocrat, was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023 as part of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Despite his resignation, Nnaji pledged unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and expressed confidence in his administration’s vision for a technologically driven, innovative, and globally competitive Nigeria.
“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet. His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear,” he said.
“I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.”
Nnaji’s resignation follows mounting public scrutiny after reports alleged discrepancies in his university and NYSC records. According to media investigations, UNN reportedly could not confirm his academic credentials, though Nnaji insists his documents are authentic and verifiable.