Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said his resignation from office was not an admission of guilt, but a personal decision aimed at protecting the integrity of government and allowing due process to take its course.
Recall that Nnaji stepped down from his position on Tuesday amid mounting controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials.
The development followed a report by PREMIUM TIMES which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate he claimed to have obtained.
According to the report, UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Igwe, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted into the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
The university clarified that it had no record of issuing any certificate to the former minister.
In response, Nnaji released a personally signed statement asserting that his decision to resign was not prompted by guilt but by a desire to uphold public trust and allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.
“After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.
“This decision did not come lightly. Over the past week, an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms. 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.
“As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.
“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. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
Nnaji also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued support for the administration’s vision.
“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. 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.”
