Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has stated that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was a personal and principled decision aimed at safeguarding his integrity and preventing unnecessary distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid controversies surrounding his academic credentials and allegations of certificate forgery.
In a statement released shortly after the Presidency confirmed his resignation, the former minister said his decision followed “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”
He described his exit as a response to what he called “an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” against his person and office.
“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 his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt but rather as a step taken in good faith to uphold due process and allow the judicial process to take its course.
“My decision to step aside is a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but a principled act 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.
Nnaji added that he could not, “in good conscience,” allow distractions to overshadow the objectives of the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that his reputation, built over five decades, was founded on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to serve, pledging continued support for the administration’s vision of a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”
Appointed in August 2023, Nnaji served until his resignation amid ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities in his ministry. He has also been engaged in a public dispute with the Enugu State Government over claims that he presented forged academic certificates.
