.Urge FG not to sweep matter under carpet

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A group of lawyers and public interest analysts have called on the Federal Government to ensure the prosecution of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over alleged forgery of academic and National Youth Service Corp, NYSC certificates, insisting the case should not be “swept under the carpet.”

Concerned Lawyers and Public Interest Analysts made the call at the weekend during a press conference in Lagos, led by the group’s spokesperson, Liborous Oshoma.

The group cited a report by a section of the media, not Vanguard investigation, from October 2025 which stated that Nnaji was admitted to study Microbiology/Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in the 1981/82 session but did not graduate after failing Virology (MCB 431AB).

The report referenced correspondence between Nnaji and the UNN Registry from 8 November 1985 to 19 May 1986. In a handwritten letter dated 19 May 1986 titled “Application to Take Course, 431AB in September,” Nnaji explained he missed the 21 April 1986 resit due to ill health and attached a medical report.

The group said Nnaji later confirmed in a court filing that UNN had not issued him a certificate since his “supposed graduation.”

“How did he obtain the purported UNN certificate dated July 1985, which he submitted for his nomination as minister and confirmation by the Senate?” the group asked, noting that Nnaji was still applying to retake the failed course in May 1986.

According to the group, Nnaji petitioned the Minister of Education on 14 October 2025, alleging unethical disclosure, document tampering, and political manipulation of his academic records by UNN officials.

This led to a seven-man Federal Government probe panel led by the Director of University Education.

The group said a follow-up report stated the panel inspected Nnaji’s academic files, internal correspondence, registry logs, the 1985 Senate-approved graduation list, convocation archives, and electronic access logs. The panel reportedly concluded that Nnaji did not graduate from UNN.

NYSC certificate questions

The group further alleged discrepancies in Nnaji’s NYSC discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening. The certificate showed he served in Jos, Plateau State, from 16 April 1985 to 15 May 1986 — a 13-month period, instead of the statutory 12 months.

It also stated he began national service in April 1985, three months before the July 1985 date on his purported UNN certificate.

The discharge certificate, the group added, bears the signature of Col. Animashaun Braimoh, who headed the NYSC from January 1988 to December 1990. “Right thinking Nigerians are left to wonder how Braimoh could have signed a discharge certificate on 15 May 1986, 18 months before his appointment,” the group said.

The group said it had consistently called for Nnaji’s prosecution, arguing that his resignation could not and should not atone for the offence of multiple certificate forgery.

It noted that the former minister was reportedly arrested on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon arrival from Enugu on a chartered flight.

According to an ICPC press release issued the same day, the arrest followed a bench warrant from the Federal High Court, Abuja. The ICPC said it had sent invitations to Nnaji via letter dated 15 May 2026 to his Abuja and Enugu addresses and email, but he failed to appear for scheduled interviews.

Group’s demands

While commending the ICPC, the group condemned what it called “undue delays” in bringing Nnaji to justice.

“This, once again, brings to the fore the speed with which our system brings the poor, average, and unconnected Nigerian to justice as against snail speed, silence, and even inaction when it comes to the rich and influential,” Oshoma said.

The group made four demands: That President Bola Tinubu ensure the matter “is no longer swept under the carpet by powerful individuals in and outside of government, that Nnaji be prosecuted for obtaining by false pretence, noting he “enjoyed salaries, allowances, and perks of office” as minister under the pretence of holding valid UNN and NYSC certificates.

It also demanded for a refund of all salaries and allowances he drew from 2023 to October 2025, as “restitution” and a deterrent, as well as a review of all official actions and decisions taken by Nnaji as minister, arguing that “a man who allegedly made false claims about his certificates” could have taken actions that “undermined public interest and promoted personal gains.”