The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has clarified that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet is a personal decision and not an admission of guilt amid allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, tendered his resignation on Tuesday in a letter addressed to President Tinubu, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation. His exit follows mounting controversy and intense public scrutiny over accusations that he falsified his academic credentials — allegations he strongly denies.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the former minister condemned what he described as an “orchestrated and politically motivated campaign of falsehood” against him. He alleged that malicious attacks had been waged across print, electronic, and social media platforms in recent weeks, causing him significant personal distress and creating unnecessary distractions from his official duties.
“For over five decades, I have built a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity,” Nnaji stated. “I cannot, in good conscience, allow these distortions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of the present administration.”
He stressed that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a principled decision aimed at upholding due process and ensuring that ongoing judicial proceedings are not undermined.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt. It is a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court,” he added.
Nnaji expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail and that his name would be cleared of any wrongdoing.
His departure marks one of the most high-profile resignations in Tinubu’s cabinet since its inauguration in 2023 and comes at a time when the administration is seeking to project a strong stance on transparency and accountability.
