The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnachi, on Monday publicly appealed to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to immediately release his academic transcript, accusing the institution of engaging in political maneuvers over the document.
The Minister insisted that having legitimately earned a BSc degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in 1985, the university has no basis to withhold his academic record.
Nnachi, who has recently faced accusations of certificate forgery following his ministerial appointment in 2023, defended himself through his spokesman, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a media briefing in Abuja.
Nnachi specifically accused the UNN authorities of attempting to damage his reputation by issuing two contradictory reports concerning his certificate, alleging the actions were taken to satisfy a state governor intent on removing him from office for political gain.
At the briefing, the Minister tendered a copy of the 1985 graduation brochure, which featured his name as Nnaji Uchenna G, along with his picture.
He also presented a 2023 letter issued by the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, which attested that he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985.
When questioned about the difference between the name on the brochure (Nnaji Uchenna G) and the name used by the Registrar (Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji), the spokesman dismissed the concern, claiming the variations were common and acceptable for many Igbo names.
The Minister expressed shock that after the initial 2023 letter confirming his graduation, the same institution later issued another letter in May 2025 denying any record of his graduation, accusing the Vice Chancellor of being “economical with the truth.”
Nnachi stated that he instituted a legal challenge against the Vice Chancellor and the management after becoming aware of attempts to tamper with his academic records for political reasons.
He regretted that despite a court injunction compelling the university to release the academic transcript, the Vice Chancellor has refused to comply and has instead engaged in “cyberbullying and politically motivated media trial” against him.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry,” the Minister asserted.
“The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
The Minister concluded by urging the university to uphold its motto of “restoring the dignity of man,” distance itself from political manipulation, and reaffirm the authenticity of its own official record, insisting that the integrity of the institution is at stake.