Re: False and Malicious Report on the Academic Credentials of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology

The attention of the Office of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has been drawn to a false, malicious, and politically motivated publication circulating online and on social media, alleging that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has disowned the degree certificate of the Honourable Minister and declared it fake.

This baseless report, which originated from an unverified online platform, is a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of a respected statesman, entrepreneur, and public servant.

For the avoidance of doubt, the following facts are hereby stated:

1. Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji is a bona fide alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having duly fulfilled all academic requirements and graduated in accordance with the university’s regulations.

2. The purported “official statement” being circulated was never issued by the management of UNN, nor does it reflect the position of the institution. A simple verification from the university’s registry will reveal that no such disclaimer exists in its official records.

3. The so-called “Freedom of Information (FOI) response” quoted by the publication is a fabricated document concocted by individuals with ulterior motives. The FOI Act mandates traceable correspondences, yet no authentic FOI reference number, signatory name, or departmental designation was provided in the said report—an obvious sign of falsehood.

4. The Honourable Minister’s academic and NYSC credentials were duly verified and cleared by the appropriate screening authorities before his ministerial nomination and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate in 2023.

5. The Honourable Minister has maintained a lifelong record of integrity, transparency, and service, and will not be distracted by desperate attempts to smear his image or question his competence.

We therefore urge the general public, media organizations, and responsible citizens to disregard this fake and defamatory publication, which is nothing but the handiwork of political detractors bent on sowing disaffection and distracting the Ministry from its transformative national agenda in science and technology innovation.

The Honourable Minister remains focused on delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision through innovation-driven governance and remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s technological development.

Appropriate legal steps are being initiated against the authors and publishers of this malicious report for defamation and deliberate misinformation.

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Signed:
Office of the Honourable Minister
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Date: 5th October, 2025