Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has explained that his decision to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was driven by a desire to protect his integrity and avoid distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nnaji, who tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid controversies surrounding his academic credentials, said the move followed “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”
In a statement released shortly after the Presidency confirmed his resignation, the former minister described the allegations of certificate forgery against him as “politically motivated, malicious, and orchestrated attacks” aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he stated.
Nnaji stressed that stepping down was not an admission of guilt but a principled act to uphold due process and respect ongoing judicial proceedings.
“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said.
He added that he could not, in good conscience, allow “distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives” of the Tinubu administration, noting that his reputation was built over “five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”
Nnaji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”
Appointed in August 2023, Nnaji’s resignation comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities in his ministry, as well as a public dispute with the Enugu State Government over claims that he presented forged certificates.
