An investigative panel set up by Nigeria’s Ministry of Education has confirmed that former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate.
The seven-member panel, established on 23 November 2025 by Education Minister Tunji Alausa following Nnaji’s petition, conducted an in-depth probe after earlier reports revealed that Nnaji had falsified both his degree and NYSC certificates. The panel submitted its report in December 2025.
Nnaji had petitioned the ministry on 14 October 2025, alleging unethical disclosure, document tampering, and political interference by UNN officials, including Vice-Chancellor Simon Ortuanya and former Acting Vice-Chancellor Oguejiofor Ujam. He accused them of issuing unauthorised correspondence, improperly accessing his academic file, and facilitating misleading media coverage of his academic history.
The panel was chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department, with James Ocheido, the department’s deputy director, as secretary. Other members included directors from the ministry’s Polytechnics and Colleges of Education departments, representatives of the National Universities Commission, and senior ministry staff from Human Resources and Legal Services.
Using documentary review, interviews, verification, and technical audits, the panel conducted on-site visits to UNN, consulted officials, and examined Nnaji’s academic records and internal correspondence. They reviewed graduation lists, registry logs, convocation archives, electronic access records, and letters sent to government agencies and media outlets.
The investigation revealed that Nnaji, admitted to study Biological Sciences in 1981/82, did not graduate due to failing Virology (MCB 431AB). Correspondences between Nnaji and the UNN Registry from November 1985 to May 1986 confirm his failure and a missed examination due to ill health. No evidence indicated that he ever completed the course.
Despite this, Nnaji presented a certificate of graduation dated July 1985 to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for his ministerial appointment. The panel concluded that the certificate was falsified, confirming earlier reporting of Nnaji’s certificate forgery.
