The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has appealed to the authorities of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic transcript without further delay, accusing the institution of playing politicising with the issue.
Nnaji, who has been accused of forging the academic certificate he submitted to the federal government upon his appointment in 2023, insisted that he legitimately earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in 1985.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the minister alleged that certain officials of the university were deliberately attempting to tarnish his image for political reasons.
According to him, UNN had earlier confirmed his graduation in a 2023 letter signed by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, but later issued a contradictory report in May 2025 claiming that there was no record of his graduation.
“It is disheartening that after attesting to my graduation in 1985, the same university later denied it,” Nnaji said. “This is a politically motivated attempt to destroy my reputation, instigated by individuals seeking to advance their personal interests.”
At the briefing, the minister presented the 1985 graduation brochure, which contained his name, Nnaji Uchenna G., and photograph among the listed graduates. He also displayed the earlier letter from the registrar confirming that he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985.
When asked to clarify the difference between the names “Nnaji Uchenna G.” and “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji,” his spokesman explained that both refer to the same person, noting that variations in Igbo names are common and often share similar meanings.
Nnaji further disclosed that he had taken legal action against the UNN Vice Chancellor and management after learning of alleged attempts to alter his academic records. He expressed concern that, despite a court injunction directing the university to release his transcript, the institution had failed to comply.
“Instead of obeying the court order, the university continues to engage in cyberbullying and politically motivated media campaigns against me,” the minister stated.
Describing the controversy as a “politically driven witch-hunt,” Nnaji called on the university to uphold its long-standing reputation for integrity.
“This entire episode is not about education or integrity, it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” he said. “The University of Nigeria, Nsukka must live up to its motto of restoring the dignity of man by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own records.”
“This is bigger than one man’s certificat, it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no Nigerian university becomes a tool of partisan politics,” he added.
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