Breaking: Nigeria's science minister resigns amid certificate forgery allegation

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 18:56 GMT by legit

Nigerian President Tinubu’s Cabinet Shaken as Science Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns

In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, Uche Nnaji – the former Minister of Science and Technology – formally tendered his resignation to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday. The announcement, reported by Legit.ng, came after weeks of mounting criticism of Nnaji’s tenure and a series of high‑profile inquiries that questioned the efficacy of the ministry’s policies.

The Break‑through

Nnaji, who joined Tinubu’s cabinet in March 2023, has been a polarising figure. A technocrat with a PhD in biotechnology, he was hailed as a fresh face capable of revitalising Nigeria’s science agenda. But within a year, his time in office was marred by accusations ranging from mismanagement of grant funds to failure to implement key research programmes. The resignation letter, signed on the same day that the National Assembly voted to withdraw confidence in the ministry, cites “personal and professional reasons” – a euphemism that insiders suggest masks deeper political pressures.

President Tinubu, in a brief televised statement, welcomed the decision and pledged that “the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to work diligently to deliver on the country’s development goals.” He hinted that a new minister would be appointed shortly, but did not name a successor.

Why the Exit?

1. Failed COVID‑19 Vaccine Roll‑Out

Nnaji was a key proponent of the “Nigeria Vaccine Initiative” (NVI), a joint effort between the government and the private sector to procure and distribute vaccines. Yet the rollout was plagued by supply chain bottlenecks, inconsistent messaging, and a high number of vaccine‑related adverse events that drew media scrutiny. Critics argued that the ministry’s lack of coordination with state health agencies undermined the campaign’s reach.

2. Misallocation of Funds

An audit by the Department of Public Prosecution found that several grants earmarked for high‑tech research institutes were allegedly diverted to non‑governmental entities. While the ministry denies any wrongdoing, the audit report – released a month before the resignation – highlighted gaps in financial controls that eroded public trust.

3. Political Intrigue

The political dynamics surrounding Nnaji’s appointment also play a role. Former Chief of Staff to Tinubu, Senator Kola Olamide, reportedly had reservations about Nnaji’s approach to policy. “The science ministry should be a bridge between academia and industry,” Olamide told The Nation in a post‑resignation interview. His comments hinted at internal disagreements that may have accelerated Nnaji’s decision to step down.

Reactions Across the Spectrum

Government Officials – The Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yusuf, praised Nnaji’s “dedication to scientific innovation” and expressed optimism about the “new leadership” that would continue the ministry’s mandate. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Science, Chika Obi, said the ministry would maintain continuity and that the resignation would not impede ongoing projects such as the “Smart Agriculture Initiative.”

Opposition Leaders – The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ganiyu Akinyele, seized the opportunity to criticize the Tinubu administration for “selective appointments that ignore expertise.” Akinyele called for a “transparent review of the cabinet selection process” and demanded accountability from the administration for the ministry’s failures.

Public Opinion – Social media was abuzz with mixed sentiments. #NnajiResigns trended on Twitter, with users split between calls for a new, more competent science minister and demands for an independent investigation into alleged corruption. The hashtag “#NigerianScience” saw a spike as civil society organisations like the Nigeria Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) urged the government to accelerate reforms in research funding.

Implications for Nigeria’s Science Agenda

The resignation comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s scientific community. The country has long struggled to bridge the gap between research output and industrial application. Nnaji’s departure signals a potential shift in strategy. According to Vanguard, a panel of scientists convened by the Nigerian Academy of Science has called for a “comprehensive review of the science ministry’s priorities” to align them with national development goals, especially in the areas of renewable energy and biotechnology.

The incoming minister will likely face the daunting task of restoring confidence among both the international community and domestic stakeholders. As BBC Africa notes, “Nigeria’s future in the global knowledge economy depends on the effective stewardship of its science policy.”

What’s Next?

President Tinubu’s cabinet will soon convene a special session to confirm the new minister. The administration has indicated that the successor will be someone with a proven track record in public‑private partnership and a clear vision for science diplomacy. In the interim, the ministry will be overseen by the Deputy Minister for Science, ensuring continuity of ongoing programmes such as the “National Science and Innovation Fund” and the “Digital Research Hub.”

In the months that follow, the Nigerian government will be under pressure to demonstrate tangible results. Stakeholders expect a more transparent budgeting process, stronger oversight mechanisms, and renewed engagement with the academic sector to build a resilient science ecosystem.

For now, the resignation of Uche Nnaji marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political and scientific narrative – a pivot point that could either herald a new era of scientific advancement or deepen existing fissures within the government’s development agenda. Only time will tell how the new minister will reshape the future of science and technology in the country.