Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has clarified that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather as a demonstration of his respect for due process.
Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following allegations of certificate forgery against him.
An investigation by Premium Times revealed Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the senate, were forged.
In a statement, the Enugu-born politician said the decision to step down followed “deep reflection and consultations” with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.
He said he formally tendered his resignation to the president after what he described as a “sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks” against his person, integrity, and office.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he said.
The former minister, who was appointed in August 2023, said he had spent over five decades building a reputation anchored on “hard work, honour, and service to humanity”.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he said.
“In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
Nnaji thanked Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in the federal cabinet.
“I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet,” he said.
“His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals.”
