Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (born 16 June 1963), also known as Nwakaibie, is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and public servant who serves as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nnaji, from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been embroiled in a high-profile certificate forgery scandal since 2023, with recent revelations confirming that key educational and national service credentials he submitted for his ministerial appointment were fabricated.
Early Life and Education
Nnaji was born Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji into the family of Chief and Mrs. Obed Nnaji as the eldest of four children. His father died in 1978, leaving his mother to raise the family. He began his education at Santa Maria Primary School (now Zik's Avenue Primary School) in Enugu and proceeded to St. Patrick's Secondary School in the same city. Nnaji enrolled at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1981 with matriculation number 1981/30725 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. However, UNN records indicate that he did not complete his studies, failed core courses, was advised to withdraw, and was absent from the 1985 graduates' list. The university has officially stated that no Bachelor of Science degree was issued to him in July 1985, as claimed on the certificate he presented to authorities. In a 2025 court affidavit, Nnaji admitted he was "yet to collect" any certificate from UNN, attributing delays to the institution's "non-cooperative attitude," while acknowledging a prior UNN letter erroneously confirming his graduation—a letter the university later retracted.
Business Career
After his university enrollment, Nnaji entered the private sector, building a career as an entrepreneur in Enugu State. He established several businesses focused on trade, real estate, and industrial ventures, leveraging his networks to position himself as a key player in the local economy. Nnaji has been described as a philanthropist, supporting community initiatives in Nkanu West and promoting industrial development in Enugu. His business interests reportedly provided the foundation for his political ascent, though specifics on his enterprises remain limited in public records.
Political Career
Nnaji's political involvement deepened with his affiliation to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2023, he emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Enugu State ahead of the March 2023 elections, campaigning on themes of economic transformation and innovation. Although unsuccessful, his profile caught the attention of the incoming Tinubu administration. On 16 August 2023, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, tasking him with advancing Nigeria's research, technological development, and innovation ecosystem. In this role, Nnaji has advocated for youth certification in tech skills, inter-ministerial collaboration on research, and public-private partnerships to boost sectors like digital economy and manufacturing. As of October 2025, he continues to hold the position amid ongoing scrutiny.
Certificate Forgery Scandal
Allegations of credential forgery have shadowed Nnaji since his July 2023 ministerial nomination. During Senate screening, he claimed to have graduated from UNN in 1985 with a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Honours, Lower Division) and completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Jos in 1986. Investigations by Premium Times, Sahara Reporters, and Peoples Gazette revealed discrepancies:
UNN Degree: A two-year probe, initiated after a 2023 whistleblower tip, confirmed the certificate was forged. UNN's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, stated in an October 2025 letter that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but "did not complete his studies" and was "never issued" the degree. The document's timeline conflicted with NYSC records, and his name was misspelled as "Geoffery." In October 2025 court filings before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnaji confessed UNN "never issued" him the certificate, seeking an injunction to block further disclosures of his academic records—a request denied by the court.
NYSC Certificate: The NYSC disavowed the discharge certificate in 2024, noting it was signed by Col. Animashaun Braimoh (not in office until 1988) and listed an impossible 13-month service starting April 1985—before the claimed July 1985 graduation. The State Security Service (SSS) allegedly overlooked an NYSC alert on the forgery, allowing Senate confirmation.
These forgeries enabled Nnaji's career advancements, including business deals and political roles, and constitute criminal offenses under Nigerian law, punishable by dismissal and imprisonment. Critics, including opposition figures, have called for his resignation, labeling it a symptom of systemic vetting failures by the SSS, Senate, and presidency. Nnaji has not publicly responded to the latest admissions, though his office acknowledged earlier inquiries without comment.
The scandal has drawn widespread media and social media attention, with X (formerly Twitter) users decrying it as emblematic of governance issues under Tinubu.
Personal Life
Nnaji is married with four children and identifies as a devout Christian. His younger brother, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji (PDP), represents Nkanu East and West in the House of Representatives. Nnaji maintains an active presence on social media, including his official Facebook page, where he shares updates on ministerial activities.
References
- Premium Times, "Investigation: The serial certificate forger in President Tinubu’s cabinet" (4 October 2025).
- Sahara Reporters, "Tinubu’s Minister Uche Nnaji Admits University Of Nigeria Never Issued Him Degree Certificate Amid Forgery Scandal" (5 October 2025).
- Premium Times, "EXCLUSIVE: Minister Uche Nnaji confesses: 'UNN never issued me degree certificate'" (5 October 2025).
- Peoples Gazette, "EXCLUSIVE: How SSS ignored NYSC alert, misled Nigerian Senate to confirm Uche Nnaji as Tinubu's tech minister with forged national service certificate" (6 June 2024).
- NewsWireNGR, "Uche Nnaji: Biography, Age, Education, Marriage, Political Career, Controversy, and More" (28 July 2023).
- Akelicious, "Biography of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Nwakaibie)" (7 July 2025).
- Silicon Africa, "Everything to Know about Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology" (21 October 2024).
- Legit.ng, "All about Uche Nnaji: his life story from business to politics" (2 September 2025).