- The ICPC has begun investigating former minister Uche Nnaji for allegedly forging university degrees and NYSC certificates.
- The investigation follows an investigation by Premium Times that led to his resignation in 2025. Both UNN and NYSC deny issuing certificates related to him.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has launched a formal investigation into allegations of certificate forgery involving former Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, Premium Times reported.
The investigation follows a two-year investigation published by Premium Times in October 2025, which alleged that Najib forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate submitted during his 2023 ministerial appointment. He resigned three days after the report was released.
Sources said the ICPC has written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Nigerian Senate, requesting copies of the academic and NYS committee documents submitted by Najib for his appointment.
If the charges are proven, Najib could face prosecution for forgery and related offences.
Najib reportedly claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which is also under investigation. The university’s registrar, Celine Nnebedum, has appeared before ICPC officials to clarify the institution’s records.
UNN had earlier issued conflicting statements on Nnaji’s academic status. While the registrar initially said he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985, the university later denied that, saying his name could not be found in graduation records. In October 2025, UNN officially confirmed that Nnaji did not complete his studies and never received his degree.
This stance is in line with an earlier statement by UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, who confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted, he did not graduate.
ICPC has requested UNN to provide additional documents for further verification. It’s unclear whether those documents have been submitted. ICPC spokesman John Odey declined to comment, citing leave.
Separately, the National Youth Service Corps denied the discharge certificate Najib allegedly produced. He had earlier filed suit in an attempt to prevent NU from releasing his academic records, but the university has confirmed the falsification through a Freedom of Information request.
