Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned following a damning exposé that uncovered forged academic and service credentials, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for an overhaul of the country’s vetting system.

Nnaji, appointed in 2023 to lead Nigeria’s drive toward technological advancement, tendered his resignation on October 7, 2025, after an investigation by Premium Times revealed that his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate were fake.

According to the report, Nnaji claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and completed national service both of which the respective institutions have now denied. The revelation sent shockwaves through government circles, reigniting public debate about the integrity of Nigeria’s political appointees.

A National Embarrassment

The scandal has drawn widespread criticism, particularly over how such blatant forgeries escaped the scrutiny of both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Senate, which are responsible for background checks and confirmation hearings.

“This isn’t just negligence it’s systemic failure,” said Abuja-based policy analyst, Dr. Ozioma Onuoha. “If the DSS and Senate can’t detect a forged degree, what confidence can Nigerians have in the integrity of public office holders?”

Civil society groups have condemned what they describe as “lazy and politicized” screening procedures, noting that the Senate’s now-infamous “bow and go” culture has rendered confirmation hearings a mere formality.

A Pattern of Forged Credentials

Nnaji’s downfall adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials disgraced by credential scandals. In 1999, Salisu Buhari, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, was forced to resign after presenting a fake University of Toronto certificate. Nearly two decades later, former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun stepped down for submitting a forged NYSC exemption letter.

“These cases show that credential forgery isn’t just an individual crime it’s an institutional crisis,” said legal scholar Barrister Daniel Oyetunde. “Until there’s real accountability, the culture of impunity will persist.”

Global Contrast

In more advanced democracies, such scandals are rare due to rigorous vetting systems. In the United Kingdom, potential cabinet members undergo intense background checks by the Propriety and Ethics Team, while in the United States, FBI investigations and Senate hearings scrutinize nominees’ financial and personal records.

“In Nigeria, we confirm ministers with fanfare, not facts,” noted human rights activist Aisha Abdullahi. “The consequence is predictable corruption at the top, cynicism at the bottom.”

Calls for Prosecution

While Nnaji’s resignation has quelled immediate political tension, critics argue that stepping down is insufficient punishment for what amounts to a criminal offense. Under the Criminal Code Act, forgery carries a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment.

“The law must apply equally,” said former EFCC prosecutor Chidi Nwokoro. “If this country wants to restore faith in governance, Nnaji must face trial. Otherwise, every fraudster will think resignation is a shortcut to freedom.”

A Reflection of a Broken System

Nnaji’s exit also exposes the consequences of Nigeria’s weak governance framework. Despite his ministry’s mandate to drive technological innovation, critics say his tenure was marred by mismanagement and misplaced priorities, including the importation of foreign drones while local innovators struggled to access funding.

“This scandal mirrors the larger problem leaders without integrity cannot deliver innovation,” said tech entrepreneur Ifunanya Eze. “You cannot fake progress the way you fake a degree.”

The Road Ahead

As Nigerians express anger and disbelief, calls are mounting for President Bola Tinubu to initiate sweeping reforms in the appointment process. Experts are urging the creation of a centralized credential verification system to authenticate academic and professional records before nominees assume office.

The DSS and Senate have yet to issue detailed responses regarding their role in the oversight failure.

For now, Uche Nnaji’s resignation remains a stark reminder of how fragile Nigeria’s institutions have become and how urgently reform is needed to prevent another forgery scandal from staining the nation’s highest offices.