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Science minister Nnaji resigns over alleged certificate forgery

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening accepted the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, following some allegations of certificate forgery levied against him.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement Tuesday.

President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours,” the statement read.

Highly-placed sources in the Presidency told our correspondent that Tinubu had asked  Nnaji to honourably resign, rather than firing him publicly.

The decision was finalised on Tuesday evening at the State House, Abuja, after a brief meeting between the President and key advisers.

Nnaji was not at the meeting, our correspondent observed.

“The embattled minister, the one for science and technology, he is going to resign.

“Instead of the President firing him, he has asked him to just resign honourably,” one source told The PUNCH in confidence.

Another source, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the development.

“Before the end of today (Tuesday), he will send his letter to the Office of the SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) informing them that he is resigning.

“You know, it is the SGF who handles all matters pertaining to the Federal Executive Council.”

The development comes just days after a Premium Times investigative report published on Saturday, which alleged that Nnaji submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.

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The report claimed that the UNN disowned the degree certificate submitted by Nnaji, stating that although he was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, confirmed this in a response to a Freedom of Information request dated October 2, in which he stated that Nnaji was not a graduate of the institution.

This contradicted a December 2023 response from UNN’s Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, who had previously confirmed Nnaji’s graduation but later recanted before the Public Complaints Commission in 23 May 2025 letter that the university searched its graduation records for the 1985 session but could not find Mr Nnaji’s name on them.

The investigation also revealed that in a court affidavit, Nnaji admitted that the university never issued him a degree certificate and that he had “never collected one.”

In September, Nnaji filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission, UNN, Vice-Chancellor Ortuanya, and others, seeking to restrain the university from “tampering” with his academic records.

The case was heard on Monday, with Sebastian Hon (SAN) representing Nnaji, while E.M. Asogwa appeared for the university and its officials.

The Minister of Education and the NUC, the first and second respondents, were not represented at the hearing.

Nnaji’s legal team challenged the Premium Times article, calling it damaging given the ongoing litigation over the minister’s academic records.

He appealed to the UNN to release his academic transcript, accusing it of “playing politics” with his academic records.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji, through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, expressed frustration that the university had continued to withhold his transcript despite what he described as “clear evidence” of his graduation.

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The Minister said he earned a BSc in Microbiology/Biochemistry with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in 1985, insisting that the university had no justification to keep holding his records.

Nnaji argued that the story alleging that he had falsified the degree certificate he presented during his ministerial screening in 2023, dismissed the allegation as a smear campaign allegedly sponsored by a sitting governor seeking to remove him from office.

He expressed disbelief that although the university confirmed his graduation in an official letter in 2023, it issued another in May 2025 denying any record of his graduation.

He accused the Vice Chancellor of being “economical with the truth” and acting under political influence.

“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity, it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry.

“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,” he said.

He presented UNN’s 1985 graduation brochure, where his name appeared as “Nnaji Uchenna G” alongside his photograph and those of other graduating students.

Nnaji also displayed a letter from the Registrar, Dr. Celine Nnebedum, which he said, confirms that he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985.

The Minister’s Spokesperson also argued that the difference in names, “Nnaji Uchenna G” and “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji” was inconsequential, noting that “many Igbo names have interchangeable meanings and are often used interchangeably.”

However, a third source who spoke to The PUNCH noted that Nnaji’s case had become “an embarrassment” to the administration.

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Nnaji will be the eighth minister to exit President Tinubu’s cabinet since it was first inaugurated on August 28, 2023.

The biggest shake-up came on October 23, 2024, when the president sacked five ministers and reassigned 10 others while appointing seven new hands in what the presidency called an attempt to retool performance.

Portfolios affected included education, tourism, women affairs, youth development and the minister of state for housing.

The rejig also involved the merging or renamed of other ministries including the ministry of Niger Delta Development which became Regional Development.

Earlier, Labour Minister, Simon Lalong quit in December 2023 to take up his Senate seat for Plateau South after a court ruling in his favour.

Weeks later, in January 2024, Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu over questionable payments linked to the social safety-net system.

Although Edu denied any wrongdoing, she was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a probe that also saw the head of the social investment agency suspended.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

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4 hours ago

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January 11, 2026

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A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to  called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

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“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

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4 hours ago

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January 11, 2026

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About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

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“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

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4 hours ago

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January 11, 2026

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Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

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Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Haiti

Kiribati

Liberia

Mali

Micronesia

Montserrat

Niger

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Togo

Vanuatu

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