Nnaji, Adeosun, 4 Other Ministers Who Faced Scrutiny Over University Degrees and NYSC Credentials
- Several Nigerian ministers have faced intense scrutiny over questionable academic and NYSC credentials, raising concerns about integrity in public office
- From forged certificates to incomplete service, these controversies have sparked legal battles and public outrage
- This report examines the most prominent cases, shedding light on the recurring pattern of credential scandals within the Federal Executive Council
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Questions surrounding academic qualifications and NYSC credentials have repeatedly surfaced, casting shadows over the integrity of public office holders.
From forged documents to incomplete service, several ministers have faced scrutiny over their eligibility.
Source: Twitter
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most prominent certificate controversies involving members of the Federal Executive Council.
1. Uche Nnaji certificate scandal: UNN and NYSC disown credentials
Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, found himself at the centre of a storm following revelations about his academic and NYSC records.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in Nnaji’s possession, stating that he did not complete his studies and was never issued a certificate.
Source: Twitter
2. Kemi Adeosun NYSC exemption certificate controversy
Kemi Adeosun’s case remains one of the most high-profile certificate scandals in Nigeria’s recent history. Appointed Minister of Finance in 2015, Adeosun was accused of presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate.
Investigations revealed inconsistencies in the document, including a signature from a former NYSC Director-General who had left office months before the certificate’s date.
Under pressure, Adeosun resigned in September 2018, stating she had obtained the document in good faith.
3. Adebayo Shittu NYSC non-participation allegation
Former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu faced criticism for failing to participate in the mandatory NYSC scheme after graduating in 1978. Unlike Adeosun, Shittu was not accused of forgery but of non-compliance.
4. Hannatu Musawa NYSC status during ministerial appointment
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, was alleged to have been a serving NYSC member when appointed in 2023. Critics claimed this violated the NYSC Act, which prohibits corps members from holding ministerial office.
The Nigerian Bar Association filed a lawsuit seeking her removal, but in April 2024, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case.
5. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo NYSC certificate forgery allegation
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, faced allegations of presenting a forged NYSC certificate during his 2023 screening. Reports highlighted discrepancies in the dates and details of his discharge certificate, suggesting he might have served while holding public office.
The NYSC later clarified that Tunji-Ojo’s certificate was genuine.
6. Stella Oduah NYSC abscondment and forgery charges
Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation and senator, has long been embroiled in controversy over her NYSC status. The Corps stated that she was mobilised in 1982/83 but absconded shortly after orientation, never completing the programme or receiving a discharge certificate.
Court rejects minister’s request
Legit.ng earlier reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against Uche Nnaji. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology had asked the court to stop the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from releasing his academic records. He filed an ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.
The motion also sought to compel UNN to release his academic transcript.
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Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
