Former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has stated that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather as a personal decision driven by principle and respect for due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Nnaji explained that his decision to step down followed a week of what he described as a “sustained and politically motivated campaign of falsehood” aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The allegations of certificate forgery from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had generated widespread attention across traditional and digital media platforms.
Appointed in August 2023 as part of President Tinubu’s inaugural cabinet, Nnaji’s tenure as minister came under public scrutiny after court proceedings began over questions about the authenticity of his academic credentials.
According to the former minister, the orchestrated campaign of misinformation not only affected his personal wellbeing but also distracted him from his official responsibilities at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
“I have spent over five decades building a name based on hard work, integrity, and service to humanity,” Nnaji said in his statement. “These baseless allegations have caused deep personal pain and professional disruption. However, I believe the truth will ultimately prevail.”
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Nnaji stressed that his resignation was an act of conscience designed to preserve the credibility of the government he served, rather than a concession to the accusations. He added that stepping aside would allow the judicial process to proceed without any perception of interference or undue influence from his position.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt,” he said. “It is a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court.”
While acknowledging the pressure from public opinion and the media, Nnaji expressed confidence in the fairness of the Nigerian judicial system. He said he remained optimistic that justice would eventually clear his name and reaffirm his lifelong commitment to integrity and public service.
The resignation comes barely two months after reports surfaced that the Presidency had resolved to await the court’s verdict before taking any formal action on the forgery case.
Under his leadership, the ministry had begun initiatives aimed at promoting local innovation, encouraging technological research, and strengthening partnerships between Nigerian institutions and international research bodies. His exit now leaves a vacancy in a critical portfolio central to Nigeria’s quest for technological advancement and industrial diversification.
As the legal proceedings continue, Nnaji maintains that he is ready to cooperate fully with the judicial process, reiterating that his conscience is clear. “I believe justice will vindicate the just,” he concluded, underscoring his faith that the truth will eventually emerge.
