ICPC Probes Ex-Minister Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery Scandal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is conducting a formal investigation into former Minister of Innovation and Science, Barth Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery. Premium Times initiated a two-year investigation that uncovered discrepancies in Nnaji's academic records, including his alleged forgery of a university degree and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate submitted during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

The probe led to Nnaji's resignation three days after the report was made public. The ICPC has written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the Nigerian Senate, demanding copies of the documents Nnaji submitted to support his ministerial appointment.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Nnaji claimed to have graduated, has been embroiled in controversy, with its registrar, Celin Nnebedum, providing conflicting statements regarding Nnaji's academic history. The ICPC is seeking further verification through additional documents to clarify the situation.