The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, citing blackmail and political persecution over recent allegations of certificate forgery.
His resignation, which took effect on Tuesday, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him,” the statement said.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the President, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for giving me the rare privilege to serve Nigeria at the federal level. However, in light of the malicious blackmail and political persecution I have faced in recent weeks, I have chosen to resign to allow the government to focus on its developmental agenda without distraction,” he stated.
The development comes amid growing controversy over allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic credentials to the Senate during his ministerial screening. Reports had surfaced claiming discrepancies in his degree certificates and questions surrounding his academic background — allegations Nnaji consistently denied.
In the wake of the scandal, political pressure reportedly mounted on him to step aside to enable a fair investigation and prevent further embarrassment to the administration.
President Tinubu, while accepting his resignation, commended Nnaji for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“The President thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future undertakings,” Onanuga added.
Nnaji’s resignation marks the first ministerial exit from President Tinubu’s cabinet since its formation in August 2023, and it underscores the administration’s sensitivity to controversies that could undermine public confidence.
