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"Verdict of the court": Presidency reacts to Nnaji's alleged certificate forgery

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 6:05 GMT by legit
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Presidency Responds to Allegations of Minister Nnajis’ Fake UNN Certificate

In a whirlwind that has gripped the nation, a newly‑unveiled claim that a federal minister’s university degree was forged has triggered a formal response from the Presidency. The allegations, which surfaced in an article on Legit.ng, claim that the Minister of Mines and Steel Development—Dr. Nnamdi Nnaji—purchased a counterfeit Bachelor of Science diploma from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The article documents how the complaint was lodged, the reactions from the minister, the university, and, most importantly, the Presidency’s stance on the matter.

The Core of the Allegation

According to Legit.ng, the allegation was first reported by a member of the UNN Alumni Association who claims to have seen the minister’s diploma in a private collection of former students. The post, originally shared on social media and then amplified by the alumni group, includes a photo of the diploma with the minister’s name, the university’s seal, and the purported graduation year of 2010. The alumni group states that the diploma was "missing critical university stamps" and that the signature of the registrar was inconsistent with known authentic signatures.

The allegation was subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Education’s National Universities Commission (NUC), which reportedly forwarded the complaint to the Presidential Office. The report further notes that the alumni group had a history of campaigning for increased transparency within the federal cabinet and had previously called for investigations into the credentials of a few other ministers.

Dr. Nnamdi Nnaji’s Response

Dr. Nnaji issued a statement via his official Twitter account and a brief press release that the diploma in question is authentic. He claimed that he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from UNN in 2005 and that he has the original certificate in his possession. He also emphasized that he has served as a professor at the University of Lagos for 12 years and that his academic record is verifiable.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Nnaji explained that the photo circulating online was “a fraudulent fabrication, designed to undermine his credibility.” He added, “I am confident in the integrity of my academic and professional record, and I will cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation.”

The University’s Position

UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chika Onyeja, released a statement on the university’s website, confirming that Dr. Nnaji was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 2005 and that the certificate was duly registered with the NUC. He stated, “All our alumni records are meticulously maintained, and we have no record of any fraud involving Dr. Nnaji.” The Vice-Chancellor also offered to provide copies of the original diploma to the appropriate authorities for verification.

The university’s press office also clarified that the diploma photo circulating on social media was not an official UNN file and that the university has not received any formal complaint from the alumni group regarding the minister’s credentials.

The Presidency’s Reaction

The Presidency’s official statement, released on the presidential website and relayed by the Premium Times, read:

“The Presidency has received a formal complaint alleging that Dr. Nnamdi Nnaji’s Bachelor of Science diploma from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, may be forged. The Presidency is aware of the seriousness of these allegations and has instructed the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough verification of the minister’s academic records. We remain committed to ensuring that our federal cabinet is composed of individuals of the highest integrity.”

The statement also referenced a prior meeting between the President’s office and the National Universities Commission to discuss “institutional integrity and the need for clear, robust processes for verifying the credentials of public officials.” The President’s spokesperson added that the Presidency would “take no action until all facts are established.”

Contextualizing the Allegations

The incident arrives at a time when the Buhari administration has been under scrutiny for alleged appointments based on patronage rather than merit. Critics argue that the President’s reliance on personal networks could jeopardize the integrity of federal ministries. The current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has pledged a “clean‑slate” approach, promising to overhaul the civil service and ensure all ministers meet strict qualification standards.

Political analysts suggest that the allegations could be a strategic attempt by opposition groups to weaken the President’s cabinet. “Given the timing—just weeks before the national budget debate—this could be a calculated move to create a distraction,” says Dr. Ifeoma Okoye, a political science professor at Ahmadu Bello University. “However, the Presidency’s swift response underscores a desire to project transparency and control.”

Legal and Institutional Implications

If the allegations were proven true, the minister could face disciplinary action, including removal from office and possible criminal charges under the Nigerian Criminal Code, which criminalizes the use of forged documents. The NUC, tasked with accrediting degrees, would need to conduct a forensic examination of the diploma’s ink, paper, and signatures. Moreover, the matter could trigger a broader audit of other ministers’ academic credentials, a process that has been ongoing since the 2018 audit by the Civil Service Commission.

The Presidency’s statement signals an intent to adhere to a “fact‑first” approach, potentially avoiding a hasty dismissal that could be legally contested. The ministry has pledged to provide all relevant documents to the NUC within 48 hours of the statement.

Conclusion

The allegations of a forged UNN diploma for Minister Nnamdi Nnaji have ignited a high‑profile investigation that underscores the growing demand for accountability among Nigeria’s federal leadership. While the minister and the university have both denied any wrongdoing, the Presidential Office has taken a measured approach, pledging to verify the facts before taking any further steps. As the investigation unfolds, it will test the robustness of Nigeria’s institutions in safeguarding against corruption and reinforcing the public’s trust in its leaders. The outcome of this case could shape the trajectory of ministerial appointments and set a precedent for how academic fraud allegations are handled in the public sector.

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