FG panel confirms allegation of certificate forgery against ex-minister Uche Nnaji

A Federal Government investigative panel has reportedly confirmed allegations that the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate.

According to an exclusive report by PREMIUM TIMES, the panel found that the former minister did not graduate from the university as claimed.

The seven-member panel, set up on November 23, 2025, was constituted by the Federal Ministry of Education following a petition submitted by Nnaji to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

The petition came after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation published in October 2025, which alleged that Nnaji forged both his UNN degree certificate and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

The panel, chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department in the ministry, submitted its report to the education minister in December 2025.

In its findings, the committee said it conducted a documentary review, interviews, verification, and technical audit, including a physical visit to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Investigators said they engaged with university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, and former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Oguejiofor Ujam, while reviewing institutional records and academic archives.

According to the report, the panel examined senate-approved graduation lists, convocation archives, registry movement logs, electronic access logs, and the personal student file linked to Nnaji.

It stated that a review of the 1985 Senate-approved graduation list revealed that Nnaji’s name did not appear among graduates for that year.

The panel also discovered correspondence between Nnaji and the university’s Registry Department dated between November 8, 1985, and May 19, 1986, indicating that he had failed a course, MCB 431 (Virology).

In a handwritten letter dated May 19, 1986, titled “Application to take course 431AB in September,” Nnaji reportedly informed the university that he missed an earlier examination due to illness and attached a medical report.

However, the panel said it found no record showing that he later retook or passed the failed course.

Investigators consequently questioned how Nnaji obtained the certificate of graduation dated July 1985, which he reportedly submitted to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial nomination and to the National Assembly for confirmation

Nnaji had earlier alleged that officials of the university manipulated his academic records, accusing them of unethical disclosure, document tampering, and issuing unauthorised correspondence.

The panel’s findings are expected to raise fresh questions about the controversy surrounding the former minister’s academic credentials.