…New letter raises questions over authenticity of graduation claim from UNN
The controversy surrounding the academic credentials of Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Chief Uchechukwu Geoffrey Nnaji, has deepened following the emergence of a document that appears to contradict his claim of graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.
The newly surfaced letter, dated January 3, 1986, and purportedly written by Nnaji himself, indicates that he was yet to complete his coursework as of that date. The correspondence, addressed to the Registrar (Examinations) through the Head, Department of Microbiology, expressed Nnaji’s intention to resit a course during the June 1986 examinations.
The letter reads in part:
“Sequel to your letter of 8th November 1985, I wish to notify you of my intention to take the June 1986 exams of the course MCB 481AB.
Thanks in anticipation of your cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
Uchechukwu Geoffrey Nnaji.”
The content of the letter suggests that Nnaji could not have graduated in 1985, as he still had an outstanding course to complete.
The development follows a Premium Times investigative report published on October 3, 2025, which cited findings from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The university, in its response signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted into the institution in 1981, there was no record indicating that he completed his programme or graduated in 1985.
According to the university, “We refer to your letter dated 29 September 2025 in respect of the above subject matter,” Mr. Ortuanya wrote in a letter dated October 2, 2025. “We can confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with Matriculation Number 1981/30725, was admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981.
“From every available records and information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, we are unable to confirm that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology. This conclusion is also in consonance with an earlier letter dated May 13, 2025, ref. No. RUN/SR/R/V, issued by the University to the Public Complaints Commission in respect of the same subject matter (copy attached).”
This new document now casts further doubt on the authenticity of the certificate the Minister claims to possess. If the letter is genuine, it directly contradicts his stated graduation date; if fake, it raises even more troubling questions about the origin of the certificate in circulation.
Chief Nnaji’s academic record has become a matter of public interest since his appointment as Minister, with calls mounting for full disclosure from both the university and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The Minister is expected to address the press in Abuja later today to clarify the controversy and respond to the growing concerns surrounding his credentials.
