A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has said his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was as a decision to protect his integrity and prevent distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
His resignation, confirmed by the Presidency on Tuesday, follows growing controversy over alleged academic certificate forgery and questions surrounding his qualifications.
In a statement issued shortly after stepping down, Nnaji said his decision came after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.” He described the allegations against him as “politically motivated” and “malicious.”
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” Nnaji said.
He stressed that stepping down was not an admission of guilt but a “principled decision” to respect the ongoing judicial process.
“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. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he stated.
The former minister explained that he could not “in good conscience” allow personal controversies to overshadow the government’s policy objectives. He added that his reputation, built over five decades, was founded on “hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”
Nnaji thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged his continued support for the administration’s vision of building a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”
He was appointed in August 2023 and served for just over a year. His resignation comes as investigations continue into alleged procurement irregularities in his ministry.
Nnaji and the Enugu State Government have also publicly traded accusations over claims that he presented forged academic certificates.