Uche Nnaji - A Profile by Susannah Oluwaseun
Imposters Among Us
Most of my awareness of Nigerian politics comes from my father. When I’m back home, it’s guaranteed that I will hear Arise TV in the background. Last time I went home, another Nigerian politician was brought to my attention: Uche Nnaji.
The Tip-off
Uche Nnaji was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023 as part of Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Not long after his appointment, there were murmurs of controversy: the Premium Times (a Nigerian publication) received a tip-off that there may be some irregularities with his Bachelor’s degree and NYSC Certificate. For context, Nigerian university graduates receive a National Youth Service Corps (“NYSC”) certificate after one year of mandatory service to the country. University graduates can be posted to any part of the country and work in different fields. This is why the authenticity of Uche Nnaji’s NYSC Certificate, alongside his bachelor's, was vital to investigate.
Uche Nnaji was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in August 2023 as part of Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Not long after his appointment, there were murmurs of controversy: the Premium Times (a Nigerian publication) received a tip-off that there may be some irregularities with his Bachelor’s degree and NYSC Certificate. For context, Nigerian university graduates receive a National Youth Service Corps (“NYSC”) certificate after one year of mandatory service to the country. University graduates can be posted to any part of the country and work in different fields. This is why the authenticity of Uche Nnaji’s NYSC Certificate, alongside his bachelor's, was vital to investigate.
The Investigation
After a two-year investigation, many ignored letters and several Freedom of Information requests, the Premium Times uncovered the truth. Both Uche Nnaji’s Bachelor of Science degree and NYSC certificate were forgeries. Mr Nnaji claimed to have studied Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1981 to 1985. He presented this degree during his Senate confirmation hearing. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka was unable to find any records confirming that Uche Nnaji ever graduated. Nnaji, however, did attend the university. He failed a few courses in his final year and ignored repeated requests to retake his exams. Eventually, the university asked him to withdraw.
The forgery was not limited to his bachelor’s degree. Mr Nnaji’s NYSC Certificate has been dubbed a “poor job at forgery” by the Premium Times. The NYSC head who signed his certificate was only appointed 18 months after Mr Nnaji claims to have served. The title “CEO” is ascribed to the head of the NYSC on his certificate, but the title used at the time was “Director”. Mr Nnaji claims to have served for 13 months. Corps members can only serve 12 months. Mr Nnaji’s certificate contains an alphabetical and numerical certificate number. The NYSC only started issuing certificate numbers with a mixture of alphabetic and numerical characters in the 1990s, well after Mr Nnaji’s time of service in 1986. Lastly, Mr Nnaji’s degree says he graduated in July 1985, but his NYSC certificate says he started his corps service in April 1985. Never in the history of the NYSC has a university graduate started their service before they obtained their degree. Just like Mr Nnaji in his final year at university, his NYSC certificate doesn’t quite pass the test.
The Outcome
After maintaining his innocence for a period, Mr Nnaji resigned. He still maintains his innocence. Opposition party leader, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent and transparent investigation to take place. Abubakar accuses the government of whitewashing “yet another scandal”. The government is yet to conduct an investigation. The long list of other political elites with doubtful credentials makes it unlikely that a transparent investigation will ever take place.
The Takeaway
My takeaway is to be more audacious in the way I move through this world. I often feel like an imposter in many of the spaces I occupy. Mr Nnaji’s scandal is a reminder that actual impostors are among us. We are surrounded by people who are not qualified or have gotten where they are by cutting corners and gaming the system. I have my degrees; they’re all authentic. I have my job; I interviewed for it without insider connections. With some divine intervention, I have worked hard to get where I am. I am not an imposter.
There is, of course, a far bigger lesson: the vetting process for government officials in Nigeria needs improvement. How can proper governance be expected from those who lie, cheat, and don’t have the credentials they should? Only when our leaders have integrity can we expect this quality to be reflected in society. As for now, when I feel like an imposter, I will think of Uche Nnaji and remember to move more boldly through this world.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p8x010d0o
https://x.com/atiku/status/1975825192266924141
https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/nigerian-politicians-forged-certificates-2025100611501809855
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/9/28/is-nigerias-mandatory-youth-corps-still-fit-for-purpose
https://guardian.ng/opinion/investigate-prosecute-uche-nnaji-for-certificate-forgery/
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