The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for keeping Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in his cabinet despite ongoing allegations that he submitted forged academic certificates.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the presidency’s silence shows “a troubling comfort with corruption and disregard for public integrity.”
“Even after Mr. Nnaji admitted that the documents he presented were not issued by the relevant institutions, nothing has been done. He continues to serve as minister,” the statement noted.
The ADC insisted that this controversy mirrors a wider pattern of “questionable academic claims” within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
According to the party, both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have reportedly disowned the certificates linked to Nnaji.
“If the minister will not resign on his own, why does President Tinubu still retain him?” the ADC asked.
The opposition party described the situation as “a complete mockery of the government’s anti-corruption stance,” saying that placing a person with disputed credentials in charge of a ministry focused on research and innovation is “an insult to national values.”
The ADC demanded the immediate suspension of the minister and a transparent investigation into the forgery claims.
“Forgery is not a mistake — it is a criminal act. If proven, it should be punished according to the law,” the statement added.
The party also urged the Senate and the Department of State Services (DSS) to tighten their vetting procedures, saying the recurring scandals prove that Nigeria’s political screening system needs urgent reform.
