President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, who served as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Nnaji had held the ministerial role since his appointment in August 2023, when he was confirmed to oversee Nigeria’s innovation and technology agenda.
Reasons Behind the Resignation:
The minister’s decision to step down comes in the wake of certificate forgery allegations that resurfaced following investigative reports. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly disowned the academic and service certificates Nnaji presented during his confirmation.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Tinubu, Nnaji claimed he had been a target of blackmail by political opponents. The letter expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
In an official statement, President Tinubu acknowledged the minister’s decision, thanking him for his service and wishing him success in his future endeavors. Though Nnaji’s exit marks a significant development, questions remain about the integrity of the vetting process for ministerial appointments and how such allegations were not fully addressed earlier. The resignation has prompted discussions on accountability, transparency, and the standards to which public office holders should be held.
Implications for the Ministry & Governance:
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology now awaits a replacement who can uphold ethical standards and restore confidence in leadership. The episode may heighten public demand for stricter verification of credentials for appointees across government. It underscores the risks associated with incomplete background checks and the potential damage to institutional credibility.
The resignation of Geoffrey Nnaji under dramatic and contentious circumstances presents a moment of reflection for governance in Nigeria. It is a stark reminder that public office must always be matched with integrity.
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