The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has dismissed recent reports questioning his academic credentials, affirming that he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the Minister in Abuja, Dr. Robert Ngwu reaffirmed that Chief Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, having obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division in July 1985.
Ngwu, who described the controversy as a case of political desperation disguised as academic inquiry, said official records from UNN, including its 1985 Convocation Brochure and the University’s registry, confirmed the Minister’s academic history beyond any doubt.
According to Dr. Ngwu, the only valid and authentic communication issued by the University regarding the Minister’s academic record is the letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.
That letter, he said, explicitly confirmed that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.
“This remains the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka properly stamped, duly issued, and still valid,” Ngwu emphasised.
The Ministry’s spokesperson expressed shock that nearly two years after the University’s official confirmation, another letter emerged in May 2025, purportedly denying the existence of the Minister’s records.
He questioned the timing and motive of the new claim, noting that it coincided with the emergence of two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice Chancellor and later substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
“The question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask is: what changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change in leadership at the University? Ngwu asked.
