Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has stepped down from his position following allegations of academic credential forgery. The controversy arose after a newspaper investigation revealed that Nnaji had allegedly submitted falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial appointment in 2023. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignation in a post on X, quoting Nnaji as stating he had become ‘a target of blackmail by political opponents.’ Nnaji has vehemently denied the accusations, maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry. However, UNN reportedly informed the publication that it had no records confirming his graduation in 1985, as claimed. Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stated that the mandatory national service certificate Nnaji presented in April 2023 could not be verified. This resignation marks a rare occurrence in Nigerian politics, as Nnaji is only the second minister to leave office since President Tinubu assumed power in May 2023. The scandal has sparked public outrage, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in the nation’s political landscape.