When a government official in charge of driving Nigeria’s science and innovation is accused of ‘innovating’ his own certificates, it is clear we have yet another troubling governance scandal on our hands.
Development Diaries reports that pressure is mounting on the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, to resign from his cabinet position over an alleged certificate forgery.
At the heart of this scandal lies a deeper institutional rot that keeps recycling mediocrity in public office. Nigeria’s constitution is clear on the ethical standards required of public officers, with section 66(1)(i) disqualifying anyone who has presented a forged certificate from holding public office.
This is a moral test of leadership, and if these allegations hold water, Mr Nnaji’s continued stay in office would make a mockery of the administration’s touted commitment to transparency.
This situation also calls into question the credibility of the security agencies and vetting institutions tasked with screening ministerial nominees.
How did someone facing such an allegation slip through the supposed layers of due diligence by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police?
It raises the uncomfortable truth that Nigeria’s vetting process is often more political than procedural. When background checks are reduced to rubber-stamping political appointments, governance becomes a gamble, and citizens pay the price.
The issue here is also tied to ethics. Science and innovation are built on truth, evidence, and trust. So, a minister in charge of such a portfolio must embody these values, not violate them.
Mr Nnaji must therefore do the honourable thing by stepping aside. Temporarily leaving office while investigations proceed would show respect for the rule of law and restore a measure of confidence in public institutions.
His resignation would not be an admission of guilt but a demonstration of accountability.
However, the responsibility does not end with him, as the presidency must also act decisively. This is a crucial moment for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prove that his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda is not just a campaign slogan.
The Federal Character Commission and the National Assembly must equally take this moment to revisit and strengthen the framework for background checks.
Vetting must go beyond paper reviews and political connections by including digital verification systems, open registries, and collaboration with relevant academic institutions.
And for citizens, we must insist that every allegation of forgery or misconduct by public officials be investigated openly, not swept under the carpet. Demand transparency from your leaders.
Photo source: Uche Geoffrey Nnaji
