Olushola Omogbehin
Sequel to the certificate scandal against the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, his media aide, Robert Ngwu has accused Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, of fueling the campaign against the minister.
Dr. Robert Ngwu disclosed in Abuja that the allegation is politically motivated to witch-hunt and discredit his principal ahead of Governor Mbah’s alleged plan to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Mbah wants Nnaji out of his way. He has given a new name to all his problems. He is seeking a second term in office, and the only way to achieve this is to get Nnaji out of the way. He wants to join APC, but knowing that Nnaji is there, he is not comfortable,” Ngwu alleged.
Meanwhile, Governor Mbah has in a quick reaction, denied the allegation, asking the minister to “carry your cross”.
In order to clear his name, the minister’s aide further stated that Nnaji had formally requested his academic transcript from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but noted that the university failed to release it despite a court order.
“He asked the school to release his transcript. He applied for his transcript so that it becomes clear to everyone because it is the ultimate. So, that is why, even with the court order, they have not seen reasons to release his transcript,” he said.
On the discrepancy between “Nnaji Uchenna” that appeared in the document instead of “Uche Geoffrey Nnaji,” Ngwu pointed said the variation was culturally explainable.
“There is no actual discrepancy. In the Igbo language, ‘Uchenna’ or ‘Uchechukwu’ essentially carries the same meaning — often interpreted as ‘the will’ or ‘mind of God.’ They are commonly used interchangeably. The surname remains consistent,” he argued.
Ngwu maintained that Nnaji graduated from UNN in 1985 and said the university confirmed this in writing in December 2023.
Earlier, an online platform had reported that Nnaji forged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) certificate he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly during his ministerial screening.
The report claimed that the UNN disowned the degree certificate submitted by Nnaji, stating that although he was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
