Uche Nnaji's certificate forgery: ICPC files criminal charges

So the ICPC has finally filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for certificate forgery and money laundering. The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, and he is expected to be arraigned in the coming days. This is the same man who submitted forged UNN degree and NYSC certificates to President Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

Count one alone alleges he took possession of N29.5 million in salary and allowances through his Fidelity Bank account while serving as minister, funds the ICPC says he ought to have known were proceeds of corruption and fraud. Counts three and four specifically accuse him of presenting false certificates of national service and a microbiology/biochemistry degree to the government, knowing them to be fake. The UNN Vice-Chancellor had already confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Nnaji never graduated from the university despite being admitted in 1981.

What gets me is how this man even tried to block UNN from releasing his academic records by filing a suit at the Federal High Court. He recently applied for an out-of-court settlement, but the damage was already done. So I ask you: how many other ministers and public officials are sitting in their offices today with forged certificates, collecting salaries they did not earn, while young Nigerians with genuine degrees cannot find jobs? When will integrity become a requirement for public office in this country?