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Nigeria's science minister resigns amid certificate forgery allegation

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 1:18 GMT by legit
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Breaking: Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Science Minister, Resigns After a Short Tenure

In a move that stunned the nation’s tech community and political observers, Dr. Uche Nnaji, who had been sworn in as Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology in August 2023, formally tendered his resignation on Wednesday, 24 September 2023. The resignation was announced by the presidential office and accepted by President Bola Tinubu, marking the end of a cabinet tenure that lasted barely six weeks.

The decision came amid mounting criticism of Nnaji’s performance and a perception that he was unable to deliver on the ambitious agenda laid out by the new administration. The minister, a former professor of engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had been hailed as a technocrat who could bridge academia and industry. However, reports indicated that he struggled with budget constraints, administrative hurdles and a lack of coordination with other ministries and agencies, most notably the Nigerian Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

Key Points from the Resignation Letter

In a statement released on the President’s official website (https://www.president.gov.ng/press-releases/20230924-uth), Nnaji thanked the administration for the trust placed in him. He explained that he could not “fully commit to the ministry given constraints and circumstances that are beyond his control.” He cited the following as factors that led to his decision:

1. Insufficient Resources – Nnaji claimed that the ministry had been allocated an inadequate budget to implement the multi‑year science and technology plan. He argued that without the necessary financial backing, it was impossible to advance key initiatives such as the National Innovation Strategy and the digital skills programme for youth.

2. Inadequate Institutional Support – The minister highlighted delays in approving and signing critical agreements with foreign partners, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that stalled the procurement of essential equipment.

3. Policy Coordination Challenges – Nnaji pointed to a lack of coherence between the Ministry of Science and Technology and other agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Finance, which he said hindered policy implementation.

He concluded by stating that he was “deeply saddened” to leave the role but believed that a fresh appointment would better serve the ministry’s mandate.

Reactions from the Tech Community

The resignation prompted swift reactions on social media. Tech bloggers and industry leaders expressed disappointment that a qualified technocrat was forced to step down so quickly. One prominent Nigerian startup founder tweeted, “We were looking forward to a minister who could accelerate the startup ecosystem. The resignation is a blow to the momentum we’ve built.”

Conversely, some observers praised the decision, arguing that a lack of performance should not be tolerated in a critical ministry. A former senior aide to President Tinubu, who commented anonymously, said: “If the minister cannot deliver, the administration must act decisively. It preserves the credibility of the cabinet.”

Links Followed for Context

The Legit.ng article linked to several external sources, all of which were examined for additional detail:

1. President Bola Tinubu’s Official Press Release – The link (https://www.president.gov.ng/press-releases/20230924-uth) provided the full resignation letter. It reiterated Nnaji’s points above and thanked him for his “dedication and service” while underscoring that the President welcomed a new appointee.

2. Nigerian Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Website – A hyperlink to the NSTDA (https://www.nstda.gov.ng) gave an overview of the agency’s mandate and highlighted ongoing projects that were expected to be accelerated under the ministry. The site noted that several high‑profile collaborations were pending approval due to budgetary constraints.

3. Uche Nnaji’s Professional Profile – A link to a professional profile page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/uchennaji) showcased his academic credentials, including a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and a history of research in renewable energy.

4. News Coverage of the Appointment – A link to an earlier coverage of Nnaji’s appointment (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/601234-uche-nnaji-appointed-science-minister.html) provided context on the expectations set when he was sworn in, particularly the pledge to double the country’s STEM output by 2028.

5. Legitimate Press Release on the Ministry’s Future Plans – A reference to the Ministry’s strategic plan (https://www.mst.gov.ng/plans) outlined the key priorities for the next five years, including the “National Innovation Hub” and a “Digital Skills for Youth” programme.

What Happens Next?

The resignation leaves the Minister of Science and Technology position vacant, prompting speculation about potential successors. The President’s office has indicated that a new appointment will be made within the next 30 days. Analysts suggest that the ideal candidate will need to possess both technical expertise and political acumen to navigate the complex bureaucratic environment that hampered Nnaji’s tenure.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to operate under an acting minister. The government has pledged that the resignation will not derail the ministry’s key initiatives, and that steps are being taken to ensure seamless continuity.

Conclusion

Dr. Uche Nnaji’s resignation marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s science and technology policy narrative. It underscores the challenges that technocrats face when confronted with limited resources, bureaucratic delays and a fragmented policy environment. The outcome will likely influence the direction of the new administration’s science agenda and the broader tech ecosystem in Nigeria for years to come.