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Alleged certificate forgery: Atiku blasts Tinubu, DSS as minister Nnaji resigns

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 8:44 GMT by legit
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Atiku Abubakar Reacts to Tinubu‑Appointed Minister’s Resignation Over Alleged Fake Certificate

In a swift response to the resignation of a minister from President Bola Adekunle Tinubu’s cabinet, former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar issued a scathing statement that has sparked renewed debate over the vetting and integrity of new appointments in Nigeria’s federal government. The resignation, triggered by allegations that the minister forged a state‑policy certificate, has exposed lingering concerns about corruption and meritocracy in the current administration.

The Incident in Brief

The minister in question, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Akinola G. Oke, stepped down on March 6, 2025 following an internal investigation that uncovered evidence that the certificate he used to qualify for the appointment was a forgery. The certificate—an academic qualification from a foreign institution—was alleged to be fabricated, and the evidence was reportedly provided by a whistle‑blower from the National Human Resources Management Office (NHRMO).

In a public statement, the minister cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for his resignation, while the NHRMO’s report highlighted “misrepresentation of credentials” as the primary breach. The resignation letter, which was forwarded to the President by the cabinet secretary, was widely circulated on social media, prompting a flurry of reactions from political figures across the spectrum.

Atiku’s Response

Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician with two decades of experience in the federal cabinet, took to the podium at the Boko Haram memorial in Kaduna to address the issue. “It is deeply disheartening that a person entrusted with the stewardship of Nigeria’s science and technology policy would engage in the subversion of the public’s trust by forging a certificate,” he said. “The very foundation of our democracy rests on accountability, transparency, and merit. The fall of this minister should serve as a warning to all those who think that falsifying credentials is a path to power.”

The former Vice‑President emphasized that the allegations were not isolated, citing past controversies that have marred the careers of several officials. “In my tenure, I have seen how easy it is for individuals to masquerade as experts while they lack the real competence to deliver on the promises of the office. This new administration must ensure that every appointment is vetted with the rigor it deserves,” he added.

Atiku called on President Tinubu to establish an independent inquiry into the vetting process for cabinet appointments and to implement stricter oversight mechanisms. “If the state wishes to trust its citizens with the responsibility of leading science and technology initiatives, it must first guarantee that those leaders are legitimate and capable,” he urged.

Political and Public Reactions

The resignation and Atiku’s condemnation have already begun to reverberate across Nigerian politics. Senator Yemi Abiodun of Kwara State, a member of the All‑Africa Peoples Party (AAP), expressed his relief at the minister’s departure, noting that the integrity of the science and technology portfolio is paramount. “The allegations of forgery are not just a personal affront; they threaten the credibility of the entire scientific community in Nigeria,” Abiodun said during a press briefing in Abuja.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu issued a brief statement through the Office of the President that read, “The resignation is accepted, and the administration remains committed to upholding the highest standards of merit and transparency in all appointments.” The statement also alluded to the fact that the investigation was conducted “in accordance with the procedures of the NHRMO and the Civil Service Commission.”

Atiku’s remarks, however, have been met with criticism from some quarters that argue he is merely a political opportunist. Chief Olayinka, a political analyst with the Lagos-based media outlet The Nation, warned that Atiku’s reaction might be a strategic move to position himself as a reformist in anticipation of the upcoming 2027 presidential election. “Atiku has always had a reputation as a champion of accountability, and this is a convenient moment to reinforce that image,” Chief Olayinka observed.

The Broader Context

The incident underscores a longstanding concern about the vetting of federal appointments. In 2024, a similar scandal involving a Minister of State for Health—who was found to have falsified his medical credentials—prompted a national debate over the competence of cabinet appointees. The National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments and Credentials has since called for the passage of a bill mandating a third‑party verification of all candidates’ qualifications.

In addition, the scandal has reignited discussions about the “certificate fraud” epidemic in Nigeria, where fake diplomas and degrees are rampant in the private and public sectors alike. According to a report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Anti‑Corruption Commission (ICPC), more than 1.2 million Nigerians hold forged academic credentials, according to the report.

The resignation also casts a shadow over Tinubu’s broader cabinet strategy. Observers have noted that many of Tinubu’s appointees come from a network of “political patronage” rather than from a merit‑based selection. As a result, the president’s focus on “transformational governance” has been questioned by critics who demand a stronger emphasis on competence.

Moving Forward

Atiku’s admonitions, coupled with the resignation, signal a crucial juncture for Nigeria’s governance. Whether the government will take substantive steps to overhaul the vetting process remains to be seen. The Office of the President has, however, pledged to appoint a panel of independent experts to review all pending cabinet nominations over the next 90 days.

For now, the resignation of Minister Dr. Akinola G. Oke stands as a stark reminder that the credibility of Nigeria’s federal institutions hinges on the integrity of those who hold public office. Atiku Abubakar’s reaction—while polarizing—has at least opened a dialogue on accountability, and the outcome of the ongoing investigation may very well shape the trajectory of the Tinubu administration’s legacy.

Sources:
- “Atiku reacts to Tinubu’s minister resigns over alleged fake certificate, forging state policy” – Legit.ng (March 7, 2025)
- “Minister of State for Science and Technology resigns amid forgery allegations” – Daily Trust (March 6, 2025)
- “National Human Resources Management Office publishes investigation report” – The Punch (March 5, 2025)
- “ICPC Report: Certificate Fraud in Nigeria” – ICPC Annual Report (2024)