The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has tendered his resignation from office.
The development was confirmed late Tuesday in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Nnaji’s decision to step down follows mounting controversy surrounding the authenticity of his academic qualifications. Recent investigations revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disclaimed the Bachelor of Science degree purportedly held by Nnaji, stating that he never completed his studies and was therefore not awarded any certificate.
According to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji gained admission into UNN in 1981 but did not finish his academic programme.
Further reports indicated that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also disowned the certificate of national service allegedly presented by the minister, declaring it fake.