Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, resigned on Tuesday following explosive allegations of certificate forgery.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), denied issuing the Bachelor’s degree that the former minister claimed to have earned in 1985, triggering a public outcry and his swift exit.
President Bola Tinubu accepted his resignation amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar’s aide, who demanded his prosecution.
Nnaji, in a statement, decried “blackmail and persecution” but stepped down to “save the administration’s image.”
This high-profile resignation joins a growing list of Nigerian public officials forced to step down over scandals, ethical lapses, or political intrigues, reflecting persistent accountability issues and deepening public distrust in the nation’s leadership.
Public Holders Who Resigned
Nigeria’s public sector has witnessed numerous high-profile resignations tied to forgery, corruption, and ethical lapses, highlighting the ongoing challenge of sustaining public trust in leadership. Some departures, however, stemmed not from scandal but from political rivalries and internal party disputes that reveal the nation’s complex power dynamics.
• Kemi Adeosun
In 2018, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun stepped down after reports surfaced that she forged her NYSC exemption certificate.
Having lived much of her early life in London, Adeosun admitted the certificate was invalid but claimed she was unaware of its irregularities, saying it was obtained through a third party.
Her resignation, two months after the story broke, confirmed public doubts and revealed major flaws in background checks for public officials.
• Patricia Etteh
In 2007, Patricia Etteh, Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House, resigned after just four months over allegations that she approved ₦628 million for home renovations and the purchase of 12 vehicles.
The controversy triggered chaos in parliament, including physical confrontations between lawmakers.
Amid mounting criticism, Etteh resigned and later pursued a law degree, effectively ending her legislative career.
• Salisu Buhari
In 1999, House Speaker Salisu Buhari resigned after it was exposed that he forged a University of Toronto degree.
He was convicted of certificate forgery and sentenced to two years in prison but avoided jail by paying a fine.
Later pardoned by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari’s case became an early symbol of weak accountability in public office.
• Stella Oduah
Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation from 2011 to 2014, resigned following accusations of purchasing two bulletproof cars worth ₦255 million in violation of procurement laws.
Investigations later revealed she falsely claimed to hold a Master’s degree from a fictitious institution.
Her departure came after probes confirmed financial and ethical misconduct.
• Aisha Alhassan
In 2018, Minister of Women Affairs Aisha Alhassan resigned after the APC barred her from contesting the Taraba governorship primaries.
She argued that the party’s decision suggested she was unqualified to remain a minister.
Her open support for Atiku Abubakar, whom she described as her “political father,” further alienated her from the APC and led to her exit.
• Barth Nnaji
In 2012, Minister of Power Barth Nnaji resigned after revealing that a company linked to him, though held in a blind trust, was involved in the power sector privatization bidding process.
The disclosure raised conflict-of-interest concerns and reportedly deepened tensions with Vice President Namadi Sambo, prompting his resignation.
• Bala Ngilari
In 2014, Adamawa Deputy Governor Bala Ngilari resigned alongside Governor Murtala Nyako amid impeachment proceedings tied to corruption allegations.
His resignation letter, presented to the House, was quickly approved, reflecting how political pressure forced him out of office.
Demand for Accountability
From Nnaji’s recent exit to earlier scandals, these cases expose deep flaws in Nigeria’s governance. Forgery allegations, like those against Nnaji and the former Finance Minister, highlight weak vetting systems, while corruption charges in the pension and oil sectors erode public trust. Resignations often signal accountability, but the lack of prosecutions fuels skepticism.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Nnaji’s departure may not be the last, as scrutiny intensifies. Calls for stricter vetting and transparency from the presidency could reshape official appointments, but Nigerians demand more than resignations—they seek justice and systemic reform to restore faith in governance.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
