Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji resigns today 7 October 2023, citing blackmail from his political rivals. He is under intense public scrutiny regarding the degree and national service credentials he submitted at the point of getting the job.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promptly accepted Nnaji’s resignation, following mounting allegations of forgery against the Enugu-born politician.
He is the eighth minister to leave the Tinubu government in about two years into his tenure.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga took to X this evening to break the Nnaji exit news.
He said Tinubu accepted Nnaji’s resignation “with appreciation for his service to the nation.”
Tinubi appointed Nnaji in August 2023. According to Onanuga, Nnaji expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and described his time in office as “a period of dedicated contribution to Nigeria’s growth.”
He, however, blamed “an orchestrated campaign of blackmail” from his political rivals for his decision to step down. In this Explainer, Enugu Metro examined the troubles he is having in his home state
Although details of the allegations were not disclosed in the presidential statement, Nnaji has been in the news recently over questions surrounding his academic qualifications and political controversies in his home state.
President Tinubu, in his response, commended the outgoing minister for his contributions to the administration and wished him success in his future endeavours.
With Nnaji’s exit, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology becomes the second to lose a minister through resignation within Tinubu’s second year in office. A replacement is expected to be announced soon as the government seeks to maintain momentum in its science and technology innovation agenda.
Eight departures in two years
Nnaji’s departure brings to eight the number of ministers who have left the Tinubu cabinet since it was inaugurated in August 2023. Only one left under honourable circumstances.
So far, two ministers have resigned—Geoffrey Nnaji and Simon Bako Lalong (who left in December 2023 after winning a Senate seat). Five others were relieved of their duties in the October 2024 cabinet reshuffle. They include Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Gwarzo (Housing), and Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth).
In addition, one minister—Betta Edu—was displaced earlier in 2024 after her suspension over alleged financial misconduct, with Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda appointed in her place.
The exits underscore growing pressure within the administration as President Tinubu continues to recalibrate his cabinet barely two years into his tenure.
Why This Matters
The resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji adds to growing turnover in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, raising questions about stability and accountability within the administration.
Eight ministers have now left office in less than three years—some through resignation, others through sackings or corruption-related suspensions.
The rapid changes suggest internal pressures, policy disruptions, and political infighting that could slow the government’s reform agenda.
Nnaji’s exit is especially significant for Enugu and the Southeast, where representation in the top echelons of the federal cabinet is limited.
His claim of political blackmail also exposes the deep factional divides that continue to shape Nigeria’s governance landscape.
Beyond the politics, the wave of exits underscores the challenge of maintaining ethical standards and public confidence in government.
As Tinubu prepares to fill yet another vacancy, observers watch to see whether his next Enugu appointment will steady the ship or deepen internal rifts in the political ecosystem.
Good analysis 👍