Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following revelations of discrepancies in his academic and NYSC certificates.
Nnaji tendered his resignation earlier this week after a Premium Times investigation alleged that he presented forged academic documents to the Senate during his ministerial screening in 2023. His exit marks one of the first high-profile resignations over a certificate scandal in the Tinubu administration.
Reacting in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Obi described the move as a rare act of decency and honour, urging other public officials to emulate the example.
“It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step,” Obi said.
He warned that certificate fraud undermines public trust in governance, describing it as a criminal act that should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The former Anambra governor called for a comprehensive national verification exercise for all public office holders, including those seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As a matter of urgency, this is the time for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders,” Obi said, adding that Nigeria must adopt global best practices in verifying the integrity of its leaders.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to lead the charge in screening all candidates, from presidential aspirants to local government councillors, before elections.
“Other nations, like Ghana, have set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections. Nigeria must not do less,” Obi added.
According to him, INEC’s current verification process is inadequate and allows dishonest individuals to occupy public office through falsified credentials.
“It is appalling that our electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates. Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy,” he said.
Obi concluded by urging all serving and aspiring political office holders to publicly declare their academic qualifications as a gesture of transparency and accountability.
“Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right,” he stated.
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