CACOL Condemns Minister Uche Nnaji’s Alleged Certificate Scandal, Calls For Immediate Sack, Prosecution
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has expressed deep outrage over the shocking revelation by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, admitting that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him any degree certificate.
In a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran he noted that: “This brazen confession, coming from a sitting minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not only a national embarrassment but also a serious indictment on the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to uphold integrity and transparency in public service.
”That a person occupying such a sensitive position could have ascended to office on the basis of false academic claims is a grave assault on Nigeria’s moral fabric and the values of merit, honesty, and accountability. It sends a dangerous message to Nigerian youths that deceit and forgery are acceptable routes to power – an impression that must never be tolerated in a country struggling to rebuild public trust in governance.
CACOL, therefore, calls for the immediate removal of Uche Nnaji from office and his full prosecution under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No individual, regardless of political affiliation or office, should be above the law. The fight against corruption and fraud must begin from within the corridors of power.
The statement added: “We further urge President Tinubu to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to credibility and good governance by ensuring that the Minister faces the full weight of justice. Anything short of this will confirm the growing suspicion that Nigeria’s leadership structure condones deceit, mediocrity, and illegality.
“Integrity in leadership is not negotiable. CACOL will continue to demand accountability from all public officers, irrespective of status or position, until Nigeria attains a truly transparent and just society.”
