President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following growing controversy surrounding allegations about the authenticity of his academic certificates.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation on Monday in a letter to the President, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation. In the letter, he maintained that he had been a target of blackmail by political opponents seeking to tarnish his reputation.
“I have served with dedication and integrity, but recent orchestrated attacks on my person have made it necessary to step aside to protect the integrity of the administration,” Nnaji reportedly stated in his resignation note.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement issued Tuesday, noting that President Tinubu appreciated Nnaji’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors.
“President Tinubu thanks Mr. Geoffrey Nnaji for his service to the country and wishes him well in his future pursuits,” the statement read.
Reactions have continued to trail Nnaji’s resignation, especially on social media, where Nigerians expressed divided opinions over the certificate allegations that preceded his exit.
While some commended the former minister for stepping down “honorably,” others called for a deeper probe into the allegations to restore public confidence in government appointments.
As of press time, the presidency has not announced a replacement for the vacant ministerial position.
