Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from office should not be mistaken as an admission of wrongdoing. His decision comes amid controversy surrounding his academic and NYSC certificates, allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Reports emerged suggesting that UNN was unable to verify his academic records, raising questions about the authenticity of his qualifications. Despite this, Nnaji insists he graduated from the institution in 1975, describing the entire saga as an orchestrated attempt to discredit him.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday night, Nnaji explained that his resignation was a difficult but deliberate act rooted in principle. “My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he said.
He further expressed faith in the legal process, emphasizing that he would be vindicated in due time. “In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he added, underscoring his belief that truth would eventually triumph over what he described as political manipulation.
The former Minister accused political adversaries of launching a coordinated campaign to tarnish his image and derail his work at the ministry. “Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” Nnaji lamented.
According to him, these accusations have caused personal distress and served as a distraction from the critical innovation and science projects under his supervision. “These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he stated.
Nnaji expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve in his administration. He noted that serving under Tinubu’s leadership was both an honor and a learning experience. “I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet,” Nnaji said.
He lauded the President’s commitment to fostering innovation and technology-driven development, describing Tinubu’s vision as one that resonates with his own ideals. “His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear,” he affirmed.
Concluding his statement, Nnaji reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and pledged to continue supporting the administration’s policies even outside of government. “I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals,” he said. His exit marks yet another high-profile resignation in President Tinubu’s cabinet within the first year of the administration, further fueling public discourse around transparency, political rivalries, and the integrity of public officials in Nigeria.
As investigations continue, Nnaji’s departure leaves behind unanswered questions about the intersection of politics, power, and accountability in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.