Minister Uche Nnaji Dismisses Allegations Over UNN Degree, Blames Political Motives for Controversy
October 6, 2025 | Abuja
The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has refuted recent media claims challenging the academic records of its Minister, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, describing the reports as false and politically motivated.
Addressing journalists at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the Minister’s spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, said the controversy was “a deliberate act of misinformation designed to tarnish the image of a reputable public servant.” He maintained that Chief Nnaji is a “proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.
Ngwu explained that the University’s records, official correspondence, and the 1985 Convocation Brochure all confirm Nnaji’s graduation. He noted that the only authentic document from UNN on the matter is a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, which confirmed that “Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.”
He said the Ministry was surprised when a different letter allegedly issued by the University surfaced in May 2025, claiming that there were no records of Nnaji’s graduation. According to Ngwu, “the question every Nigerian should ask is what changed between December 2023 and May 2025, apart from the fact that two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University.” He claimed that this political development provided the foundation for what he called “a false narrative amplified by a section of the media.”
Ngwu further clarified that by academic convention, it is the Registrar, not the Vice Chancellor, who is the lawful custodian of examination and graduation records. He said, “Any attempt by a Vice Chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in university protocol and, in this case, an obvious political overreach.”
On the legal front, the spokesperson explained that the Minister sought redress through the Federal High Court in Abuja when he became aware of attempts to tamper with his academic file. He said the matter, marked Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, led to a ruling on September 22, 2025, in which the court granted “a series of protective orders, including an injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from tampering with the Honourable Minister’s academic records, and an order of mandamus compelling the University to release his academic transcript.”
Ngwu said the court’s certified orders should have settled the matter but alleged that “instead of adhering strictly to the valid court order, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer by profession, resorted to cyber bullying and politically motivated media trial against Chief Uche Nnaji.” He described the development as “a pattern of desperation that has nothing to do with education or integrity but everything to do with politics.”
He emphasized that despite the controversy, Chief Nnaji remains focused on his responsibilities as Minister, adding that “he will not be distracted by lies or by those who weaponize institutions and media platforms for political gain.” Ngwu said the Minister’s focus remains on advancing innovation, building Nigeria’s science and technology capacity, and restoring public confidence in research-driven industrial growth.
Concluding the briefing, Ngwu said the Ministry stands by its position that Chief Uche Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985, a fact documented in the University’s archives and confirmed in writing. He stressed that “any other claim or document to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated.”
