The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has commenced disciplinary proceedings against its Registrar, Mrs. Nnebedum Celine Ngozi, over allegations of issuing a false statement to Peoples Gazette concerning the academic records of the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji.
The action follows revelations that Mrs. Nnebedum’s office allegedly released an official letter containing inaccurate information intended to defend Mr. Nnaji, who was recently embroiled in a certificate forgery scandal.
Mr. Nnaji tendered his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet on Wednesday night amid intense public and political pressure. His resignation came after Peoples Gazette published investigative reports in 2023 and 2024 that exposed discrepancies in his claimed university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials—allegations that also form the basis of an ongoing court case filed by his political rivals.
According to documents reviewed by Peoples Gazette, the publication had reached out to Mrs. Nnebedum in October 2023 to verify Mr. Nnaji’s supposed degree from UNN. In December 2023, a letter was issued under her authority confirming that “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji” was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Lower Division).
However, a subsequent letter from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor contradicted this claim, affirming that Mr. Nnaji did not graduate from the university.
University insiders disclosed that Mrs. Nnebedum had held a private meeting with Mr. Nnaji in Abuja before responding to the inquiry from The Gazette a move described by UNN officials as “unethical and highly irregular.”
When contacted, Mrs. Nnebedum reportedly stated that the controversial letter “was written on her behalf,” though earlier communications show she had personally affirmed the authenticity of Mr. Nnaji’s academic records.
Further investigations by The Gazette highlighted multiple inconsistencies in Mr. Nnaji’s documentation, including variations in the spelling of his name, discrepancies in graduation and NYSC mobilisation dates, and his absence from the official graduation list. Despite this, the registrar had initially maintained that the credentials were genuine.
UNN management has since confirmed that Mrs. Nnebedum is facing internal disciplinary action for misrepresentation and breach of institutional ethics, offences described as “serious administrative misconduct” that have brought “significant embarrassment” to the university’s reputation.
