Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from office was not an admission of guilt amid allegations surrounding his academic and NYSC certificates.
Nnaji stepped down on Tuesday following controversy over claims that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) could not verify his academic records and questions about his NYSC discharge certificate.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the former minister said his decision was made out of principle rather than culpability.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he stated. “In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.”
Nnaji described the controversy as politically motivated, alleging that his opponents orchestrated a “sustained campaign of falsehood and malicious attacks” against him.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and politically motivated campaign of falsehood has been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said, noting that the allegations had begun to distract from the ministry’s work and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, pledging his continued loyalty and support for the administration’s vision of a technologically driven Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation, according to a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who thanked the former minister for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023.
