From Premium Times Nigeria · Chinagorom Ugwu · · 3m
Uche Nnaji drops degree claim in INEC filing
Former Nigerian minister Uche Nnaji opts for WAEC over forged UNN degree in 2027 election filing.
In brief
Former Nigerian minister Uche Nnaji opts for WAEC over forged UNN degree in 2027 election filing. Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, dropped his disputed University of Nigeria degree claim in INEC's 2027 governorship filing, opting for WAEC certification after criminal forgery trial…
Uche Nnaji cleared for 2027 governorship
The Independent National Electoral Commission cleared former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji to contest Enugu State's 2027 governorship election.
Nnaji faces forgery trial
Uche Nnaji is currently undergoing a criminal trial over certificate forgery at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Resigned after investigation
Nnaji resigned as minister three days after PREMIUM TIMES published an investigation revealing he forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree and NYSC certificates.
ICPC investigation
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission launched an investigation into Nnaji's certificate-forgery scandal and repeatedly invited him for questioning.
Arrested by ICPC
By 1 July, the anti-graft agency arrested Nnaji at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he arrived from Enugu on a chartered flight.
Charges filed against Nnaji
The commission later filed six-count charges of certificate forgery and money laundering against him before the Federal High Court.
Bail granted
Nnaji was granted bail of N20 million after pleading not guilty to the charges and being arraigned on 13 July.
Trial adjourned
The court adjourned Nnaji's trial until 26 October after he was arraigned again on 21 September.
Nnaji cleared as PDP candidate
In INEC's final list for the 2027 election, Nnaji was cleared as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Enugu State.
Nnaji drops degree claim
In his submission to INEC for the 2027 governorship election, Nnaji omitted his disputed University of Nigeria degree certificate and submitted his West African Examination Council certificate instead.
Background on forgery
In October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES began investigating Nnaji's academic records after he submitted forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree and NYSC certificates to President Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate.
University confirms forgery
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka confirmed that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor was issued a certificate.
NYSC disowns certificate
NYSC authorities disowned the discharge certificate in Nnaji's possession after responding to a separate Freedom of Information letter.
Nnaji moves to PDP
Nnaji later moved from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party after the investigation.
At a glance
Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, dropped his disputed University of Nigeria degree claim in INEC's 2027 governorship filing, opting for WAEC certification after criminal forgery trial.
