Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, on Monday urged the authorities of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic transcript without further delay, insisting that the institution should stop politicizing the matter.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
Speaking through his spokesman, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a media briefing in Abuja, Nnaji reiterated that he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, graduating with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in 1985.
The minister, who has faced allegations of certificate forgery following his 2023 ministerial appointment, accused the university of attempting to tarnish his reputation by issuing conflicting statements about his academic record, allegedly to appease a political figure seeking his removal from office.
At the briefing, Nnaji presented his 1985 graduation brochure, showing his name as “Nnaji Uchenna G” alongside other graduates, and a letter from the Registrar, Dr. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, confirming his admission in 1981 and graduation in 1985.
Addressing discrepancies in the recording of his name—“Nnaji Uchenna G” in the brochure and “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji” in the registrar’s letter—Dr. Ngwu explained that variations in Igbo names are common and carry the same meaning.
The minister expressed shock that after the university issued a letter in 2023 confirming his graduation, a subsequent 2025 letter claimed there was no record of his degree. He accused the Vice Chancellor of being “economical with the truth” and said the conflicting communications were politically motivated.
Nnaji revealed that he had sought legal intervention to prevent the university from allegedly tampering with his records. He lamented that despite a court injunction ordering the release of his transcript, the university has yet to comply and has allegedly continued what he described as “cyberbullying and politically motivated media trials” against him.
He said, “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity—it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry. The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
The minister called on UNN to uphold its motto of “restoring the dignity of man” by distancing itself from political interference, affirming the authenticity of its official records, and ensuring that the institution does not become a pawn in partisan politics.
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