A coalition of concerned lawyers and public interest analysts has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the alleged certificate forgery case involving former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, is pursued to its logical conclusion, warning against any attempt to suppress or politicise the investigation.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, the group commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for initiating legal action against the former minister but expressed concern over what it described as delays in bringing him to justice.
The press conference was addressed by lawyer and public affairs analyst, Liborous Oshoma, who said the allegations against the former minister raise serious questions about accountability, integrity in public office and the rule of law.
The lawyers recalled that an investigation published by Premium Times in October 2025 alleged that Nnaji was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during the 1981/82 academic session but did not graduate after failing a compulsory course, Virology (MCB 431AB).
According to the group, the investigation was supported by official correspondence exchanged between Nnaji and the university’s Registry Department between November 1985 and May 1986, showing that he was still seeking permission to retake the failed course.
The lawyers noted that in one of the letters, dated May 19, 1986, Nnaji reportedly informed the university that he missed the resit examination due to ill health and requested another opportunity to sit for the course.
They argued that the correspondence contradicts a degree certificate allegedly dated July 1985, which the former minister later submitted during his nomination and confirmation as a minister.
The group further stated that Nnaji subsequently admitted in a court filing that the university had not issued him a degree certificate, raising what they described as serious questions about the authenticity of the certificate he presented for public office.
The lawyers also referred to a petition Nnaji submitted to the Minister of Education in October 2025, in which he accused senior university officials of unethical disclosure, document tampering and political manipulation of his academic records.
They said a seven-member Federal Government investigative panel later examined the university’s academic records, graduation lists, registry documents and other official materials and reportedly reached the same conclusion as the newspaper investigation—that Nnaji did not graduate from the university.
The group also questioned the authenticity of the former minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
According to them, the document submitted during his ministerial screening indicated that he participated in the NYSC scheme between April 16, 1985, and May 15, 1986, suggesting that he commenced national service months before the date on the degree certificate he presented.
They further alleged that the discharge certificate bore the signature of a former NYSC Director-General who assumed office several months after the date appearing on the certificate, describing the discrepancy as one requiring thorough investigation.
The lawyers recalled that the ICPC announced on July 1 that Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the ICPC, the former minister allegedly ignored several invitations for investigative interviews despite notices served at his Abuja and Enugu addresses as well as via his email.
The commission said the court authorised his arrest to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on the forgery of a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the alleged submission of a false NYSC discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
While commending the anti-corruption agency for taking action, the lawyers criticised what they described as the slow pace of the investigation.
“It once again exposes the disparity in the administration of justice, where ordinary Nigerians are prosecuted swiftly while influential public office holders often enjoy delays and apparent protection,” Oshoma said.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the matter is not suppressed by powerful interests within or outside government.
The lawyers argued that the former minister received salaries, allowances and other benefits while occupying public office on the strength of credentials now under investigation.
They therefore called for the recovery of all salaries and allowances paid to Nnaji from 2023 until his resignation in October 2025 if the allegations are established.
According to the group, such restitution would not only serve the interest of justice but also deter public officials from presenting false credentials in future.
They also urged the Federal Government to review all official actions and decisions taken by Nnaji during his tenure as minister to determine whether any were tainted by abuse of office or contrary to the public interest.
