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Minister of Innovation, Uche Nnaji, accused of parading fake UNN degree and NYSC certificate.
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Several ministers, including Adeosun, Tunji-Ojo, and Oduah, previously faced similar qualification scandals.
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Allegations raise new questions about integrity and vetting in Nigeria’s federal cabinet appointments.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji, is at the centre of an academic and service certificate scandal following a shocking revelation by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) that it never issued him a Bachelor’s degree.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he never completed his studies and was therefore not awarded a certificate. The report also cited the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as disowning the certificate of national service being paraded by the minister, describing it as “strange” and unverifiable.
The development has renewed scrutiny over the credentials of public office holders, as several other ministers have previously been caught in similar academic and NYSC controversies.
Former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, remains one of the most prominent examples. Appointed in 2015, Adeosun resigned three years later after it was revealed that her NYSC exemption certificate was forged.
Although a Federal High Court later ruled that she was not legally bound to serve, the ethical questions around her conduct and government vetting processes persisted.
READ ALSO: Shehu Sani Reacts as UNN Disowns Minister Uche Nnaji’s Degree Certificate
Another case involved Barrister Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications, who never participated in the one-year NYSC scheme despite graduating at 25.
Shittu argued that serving in the Oyo State House of Assembly was a form of national service, a defence the NYSC swiftly dismissed as invalid under its Act.
In 2023, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, was accused of serving as a minister while still a corps member.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) sought her removal through legal action, though the Federal High Court later dismissed the suit for lack of locus standi.
Musawa maintained that she “did nothing wrong,” insisting she completed her service lawfully.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also faced allegations of NYSC forgery during his screening in 2023. Questions arose about the authenticity of his discharge certificate, with reports suggesting he completed his service while already a lawmaker.
The NYSC later clarified that Tunji-Ojo was remobilised in 2019 after absconding in 2006, and his certificate was legitimately issued in February 2023.
Former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, is currently battling an EFCC case over alleged perjury and falsification of her NYSC credentials. The NYSC said Oduah was mobilised in 1982/83 but absconded, never completing her service.
Despite this, she allegedly declared in official documents that she served, supporting her claim with a “lost certificate” affidavit.
The case is ongoing, with Oduah denying all wrongdoing.
