Nnaji and Ministers Caught in Office Controversies

Uche Nnaji and the Controversy Over Academic Qualifications

Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is currently facing scrutiny over his academic credentials. Following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) denied issuing a Bachelor of Science degree to the minister, stating that he never completed his studies at the institution.

According to the report, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted in 1981, he did not finish his program and was never awarded a degree. Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stated that the certificate of national service presented by Nnaji could not be authenticated.

This situation has sparked renewed interest in past controversies involving members of the Federal Executive Council. Here are some notable cases:

Kemi Adeosun: A Case of Alleged Forgery

Kemi Adeosun’s case became one of the most prominent certificate controversies in Nigerian politics, particularly during her tenure as Minister of Finance under President Muhammadu Buhari. She was accused of presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate. Investigations revealed that the document, dated 2009, bore the signature of a former NYSC Director-General who had already left office months earlier.

The NYSC confirmed that Adeosun applied for an exemption but did not verify the authenticity of the certificate she presented. Under public pressure, she resigned in September 2018, claiming she obtained the document in good faith. In 2021, a Federal High Court ruled that she was not legally required to present an NYSC certificate to hold public office, as she was a British citizen when she graduated in 1989. This cleared her of legal wrongdoing, though it did not address whether the certificate was genuine.

Adebayo Shittu: Alleged Non-Participation in NYSC

Former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu was accused of not participating in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme after graduating from the University of Ife in 1978. Unlike Adeosun, he was not accused of forging a certificate, but rather of failing to complete the program.

Shittu argued that his election to the Oyo State House of Assembly shortly after law school fulfilled his civic obligation. However, the NYSC Act requires all Nigerian graduates under 30 to participate in the program. He insisted he did not violate the law, noting that the Constitution does not explicitly list NYSC completion as a qualification for elective office.

Hannatu Musawa: Conflict Between NYSC and Office

Hannatu Musawa, the current Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, faced allegations of still being a serving NYSC member when she was appointed in 2023. Critics argued that serving as a minister while completing NYSC violated the NYSC Act.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) filed a lawsuit seeking her removal, but in April 2024, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing. Musawa defended herself, claiming she completed her NYSC in accordance with the law. However, questions remain about the legality of her appointment.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo: Discrepancies in NYSC Certificate

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior, faced allegations of presenting a forged NYSC certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023. Reports highlighted discrepancies in the dates and details of his discharge certificate, suggesting he might have completed his service while already serving as a legislator.

The NYSC clarified that his certificate was genuine, explaining that he was first mobilised in 2006 but absconded, leading to his remobilisation in 2019. Despite this, the overlap between his NYSC service and public office raised further questions.

Stella Oduah: False Declarations and Legal Charges

Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation and senator representing Anambra North, has been involved in a long-running controversy over her NYSC status. The NYSC disclosed that she was mobilised in 1982/83 but allegedly absconded, failing to complete the program. Despite this, she claimed to have completed her service and submitted false documents.

In 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed charges against her, accusing her of perjury, forgery, and making false declarations. Oduah has denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.