By Ishaya Bamaiyi Musa-Dawai
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The ongoing allegations involving Premium Times newspaper and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, are yet another blow to Nigeria’s collective conscience.
The minister has been accused by Premium Times of forging his Bachelor of Science degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. According to the newspaper, the allegations are backed by substantive evidence, including confirmation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
This controversy is not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape. Allegations of certificate forgery have become a recurring theme among public officeholders. In examining this case, it is important to reflect on similar incidents, as well as the provisions of the Criminal Code Act, which applies directly to the jurisdiction from which Mr. Nnaji hails.
Legal Context
The allegations are rooted in Section 464 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which provides that forgery occurs when:
- a) a document purporting to be issued by lawful authority contains untrue material particulars;
- b) a writing or document is fraudulently misdated or misattributed;
- c) a document is created in the name of a non-existent person; or
- d) a document is fraudulently made in the name of an existing person without proper authority.
Based on this definition, if proven, Mr. Nnaji’s alleged actions fall squarely within the scope of forgery. Such an act constitutes not only a crime against the Nigerian state but also a betrayal of public trust.
Precedents of Certificate Forgery in Nigeria
Nigeria has witnessed numerous high-profile forgery scandals, particularly within politics and public service. Some notable examples include:
Kemi Adeosun (2018): The former Minister of Finance resigned after revelations that she presented a forged NYSC exemption certificate.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Allegations surfaced over his Chicago State University diploma, though the institution confirmed he graduated in 1979.
Dino Melaye: The senator faced accusations of presenting a forged secondary school testimonial, though the courts eventually ruled in his favor.
Ayodele Fayose: The former governor of Ekiti State was accused of submitting a fake Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate to INEC.
Adams Oshiomhole: The former APC National Chairman was accused of falsifying his primary and secondary school records.
These cases illustrate how widespread forgery has become in Nigerian politics. Many public officials continue to rise to high office despite questionable integrity, often prioritizing personal gain over national service.
Judicial Interpretation
The courts have consistently treated forgery as a grave offence. For example:
In Garba v. FRN (2022), the Court of Appeal upheld a conviction for forgery and sentenced the offender to imprisonment.
In Kali Prasad v. Emperor (1915), the court clarified that intent to cause harm or injury is central to proving forgery.
In the current matter, if the allegations against Mr. Nnaji are substantiated, the intent to deceive the University of Nigeria and, by extension, the Nigerian people, will be evident.
The Responsibility of Oversight Institutions
It is deeply troubling that the Nigerian Senate, which is tasked with screening ministerial nominees, failed to detect these alleged discrepancies. This raises questions about the competence and credibility of the legislature, which appears increasingly to serve as a rubber stamp rather than a guardian of democratic accountability.
If a minister can allegedly deceive the Senate with forged documents, it demonstrates the fragility of Nigeria’s institutions and the extent of systemic rot in governance.
The role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in vetting public officials is once again called into question, as the same agency that has been known to flag and even block the appointments of individuals such as Nasir El-Rufai has seemingly failed to detect the glaring discrepancies in Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji’s credentials. This inconsistency not only undermines the credibility of the DSS but also raises serious concerns about its objectivity, capacity, and whether political considerations often overshadow its duty to protect the integrity of public office.
Recovery and Accountability
Beyond resignation or dismissal, it is critical that any financial or material benefits Mr. Nnaji gained through alleged fraudulent credentials be recovered and returned to the national treasury. Such restitution should be directed toward developmental projects, such as programs under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to serve as a deterrent to future offenders.
The law is clear on punishment. Under Section 467 of the Criminal Code, forgery is a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to three years. Section 468 further criminalizes the use of forged documents as genuine. These provisions must be applied without exception.
In conclusion, the allegations against Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji highlight once again the weakness of Nigeria’s political and institutional frameworks. If proven, they underscore the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms and more rigorous vetting of public officials.
Nigerians deserve leaders of integrity, not individuals who exploit systemic loopholes for personal advancement. The government must act decisively by prosecuting cases of forgery, recovering illicit gains, and ensuring that justice is not compromised. Failure to do so will only encourage further erosion of public trust and deepen Nigeria’s governance crisis.
Ishaya Bamaiyi Musa-Dawai is a penultimate 400-level ABU Zaria student and ECWA theological Seminary Jos graduate, recognized for his audacity, passion for learning, and unapologetic expression of his views.
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