UNN VC Commended for Exposing Ex-Minister's Forgery

A seven-member federal investigative panel, constituted on November 23, 2025, commended Prof. Simon Ortuanya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), for exposing alleged certificate forgery involving former Minister of Innovation and Science, Petit Nnaji.

The panel's report, submitted to the Ministry of Education in December 2025, followed a two-year investigation initiated by Nnaji's accusations against senior officials at UNN for unethical disclosure and tampering with academic records. The panel, chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, utilized a methodology that included documentary reviews and interviews.

It found that Nnaji's name did not appear on the approved graduation list for July 1985, despite his claims. The investigation revealed that Nnaji had failed a course and had requested permission to retake it due to health issues.

The panel's findings align with earlier reports questioning the authenticity of Nnaji's academic credentials, which were further complicated by conflicting statements from the university registrar.