A documented evidence have emerged debunking the report published by Premium Times on October 4, 2025, which alleged that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, forged his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The report has it that the Minister was never awarded a degree from the University.
Contrary to the claims made in the publication, an official document obtained by The MeridianSpy reveal that the University of Nigeria had formally confirmed that Chief Uche Nnaji indeed graduated from the institution in July 1985, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Honours, Lower Division).
In a letter dated December 21, 2023, from the office of the University’s Registrar, signed by I.A.S Onyeador (Mrs), and stamped with the official seal of the institution, UNN confirmed that Uche Geoffrey Nnaji was a bona fide student of the university from 1981 to 1985. The university attested thar he was admitted in 1981 with registration number 1981/30725, to study Microbiology and Biochemistry, and successfully completed the programme within the stipulated period and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in same light in 1985.
The confirmation letter was issued in response to an official inquiry by People’s Gazette journalist, Samuel Ogundipe, thereby affirming the authenticity of the Minister’s academic records beyond any reasonable doubt.
A close source to The MeridianSpy has noted that the false claims published by Premium Times are the handiwork of political opponents determined to discredit Chief Nnaji’s rising profile in both governance and politics. According to the insider, certain political interests in Enugu State, particularly elements loyal to Governor Peter Mbah, a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and a small group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Ben Nwoye, a debarred and deported lawyer formerly based in the United States are believed to be behind the smear campaign.
“The coordinated attempt to malign the Honourable Minister’s reputation is nothing but political propaganda. Those behind it are individuals who feel threatened by his transparent leadership style and the progress recorded under his stewardship at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology,” the source said.
Further investigations by The MeridianSpy also revealed that a Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier issued a valid interim order of injunction restraining the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and its Senate from tampering with the Minister’s academic records.
The order, granted by Hon. Justice H. J. Yilwa on September 25, 2025, states in clear terms that:
“An interim order of injunction is hereby granted restraining the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Senate of the University from tampering with or continuing to tamper with the academic records of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, pending the determination of the substantive suit.”
This order remains valid and subsisting, legally protecting the integrity of the Minister’s academic credentials from any form of manipulation or distortion.
With the confirmation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the existing court order, it is now evident that Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji was duly awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. The allegations of certificate forgery are, therefore, false, politically motivated, and devoid of substance.
The development lays to rest the controversy stirred by Premium Times and reaffirms that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology remains a legitimate graduate of the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
