Minister Accuses Political Rivals Of Tampering With University Records in Academic Credentials Dispute

A bitter controversy surrounding the academic credentials of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has erupted, with the Minister’s spokesperson accusing political opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign to undermine his position.

At a press briefing held today at the Ministry’s headquarters, Dr. Robert Ngwu, spokesperson to the Minister, addressed what he termed “deliberate misinformation” circulating in the media regarding Chief Nnaji’s graduation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

“Let me state clearly and for the record: Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division,” Dr. Ngwu declared.

He emphasised that this fact is supported by official university records, including a 1985 Convocation Brochure.

The crux of the dispute revolves around conflicting letters purportedly issued by UNN. Dr. Ngwu presented a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, in response to an inquiry from the People’s Gazette. This letter, he said, confirmed the Minister’s graduation details.

However, in May 2025, a second letter surfaced, allegedly from the university, claiming there were “no records” of the Minister’s graduation. Dr. Ngwu pointed to a shift in university leadership as the catalyst for this discrepancy, alleging that the appointment of two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, respectively, led to a politically motivated attempt to discredit the Minister.

“What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 – apart from the fact that two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University?” Dr. Ngwu asked.

The Minister, anticipating potential tampering with his academic records, sought legal redress by approaching the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja. On September 22, 2025, the Court granted protective orders, including an injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of UNN from tampering with the Minister’s records and a directive compelling the University to release his academic transcript.

Despite these court orders, Dr. Ngwu accused the Vice Chancellor of resorting to “cyber bullying and politically motivated media trial against Chief Uche Nnaji.”

He asserted that the controversy is “not about education or integrity – it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry.”

Dr. Ngwu reiterated the Minister’s focus on his responsibilities and vowed that he would not be distracted by “lies or by those who weaponise institutions and media platforms for political gain.”

He reaffirmed that the Minister graduated from UNN in 1985, a fact supported by university records and official documentation.

The unfolding controversy has raised concerns about the potential for political interference in academic institutions and the integrity of official records.

The legal battle between the Minister and the University is expected to continue, further fueling the already heated political climate.