The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has admitted in court that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never issued him a degree certificate.
This latest development confirms earlier investigation by Premium Times.
The investigation had exposed discrepancies in the academic credentials Nnaji submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening.
The certificate he presented, along with his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, has been widely alleged to be forged.
Nnaji, who was nominated as a minister in July 2023, has faced persistent allegations of fabricating his qualifications.
Concerned stakeholders and investigative reports claim he neither completed his studies at UNN nor legitimately obtained the degree or NYSC certificate he presented.
In a suit before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Nnaji admitted under oath that he was admitted to UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry but acknowledged that he never received a certificate, accusing university officials of being uncooperative.
Though, the case has revealed further contradictions. A letter dated December 21, 2023, purportedly signed by UNN Registrar Celine Nnebedum, had initially “confirmed” Nnaji’s graduation but was later retracted by the university.
In May 2025, Nnebedum clarified that UNN’s 1985 graduation records did not include Nnaji’s name. This position was reaffirmed by UNN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya in a letter dated October 3, 2025, stating, “He never graduated from here. His file is intact and shows he dropped out.”
During his ministerial screening on August 1, 2023, Nnaji submitted a profile to the Senate claiming he earned a combined degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from UNN and participated in the NYSC program in 1985.
However, with his admission that no degree was issued, questions arise about the origins of his certificates and how he qualified for the NYSC program without a valid degree.
Despite multiple attempts, Nnaji has not responded to inquiries, including a detailed letter sent in January 2024.
The court case, which also names the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and UNN officials as defendants, resumes on October 6, 2025.
Justice Yilwa previously granted some of Nnaji’s requests in September 2025 but declined to issue an injunction to prevent UNN from releasing his academic records.
The post Tinubu’s minister admits parading fake university certificate first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
