jasdooit

• Multiple Nigerian officials have come under close examination due to dubious academic and NYSC records, sparking worries regarding ethics in government positions.
• From fake documents to insufficient services, these issues have led to legal disputes and widespread public anger.
• This document analyzes the most notable instances, revealing the repeated occurrence of integrity violations within the Federal Executive Council.

Concerns regarding academic credentials and NYSC documents have consistently arisen, raising doubts about the credibility of those in public positions.

From fake papers to missing services, a number of ministers have been questioned about their qualifications.

A closer examination of several significant certificate disputes involving members of the Federal Executive Council.

1. Uche Nnaji certificate controversy: UNN and NYSC reject the credentials

Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, became the focus of controversy after details about his academic background and NYSC service were made public.

PREMIUM TIMES stated that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), rejected the Bachelor of Science degree certificate owned by Nnaji, claiming he did not finish his studies and was never given a certificate.

2. Controversy surrounding Kemi Adeosun’s NYSC exemption certificate

Kemi Adeosun’s case is considered one of the most notable certificate fraud incidents in Nigeria’s recent past. She was appointed as Minister of Finance in 2015 and faced allegations of producing a fake NYSC exemption certificate.

Inquiries uncovered discrepancies in the document, such as a signature from a previous NYSC Director-General who had already resigned months prior to the certificate’s date.

Faced with pressure, Adeosun stepped down in September 2018, claiming she had acquired the document in good faith.

3. Allegations of Adebayo Shittu’s non-participation in NYSC

Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu drew backlash for not taking part in the required NYSC program following his graduation in 1978. In contrast to Adeosun, Shittu was not charged with fraud but with failing to adhere to the regulations.

4. Hannatu Musawa’s NYSC status during her appointment to the ministry

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, was said to have been an active NYSC participant at the time of her 2023 appointment. Opponents argued that this breached the NYSC Act, which forbids individuals serving in the corps from occupying a ministerial position.

The Nigerian Bar Association initiated a legal action to have her removed, but in April 2024, Judge James Omotosho ruled against the claim.

5. Alleged forgery of NYSC certificate involving Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, was accused of submitting a fake NYSC certificate during his 2023 verification process. Media reports pointed out inconsistencies in the dates and information on his release document, indicating he may have completed his service while already in a government position.

The NYSC later stated that Tunji-Ojo’s certificate was authentic.

6. Stella Oduah’s disappearance and fraud allegations during NYSC service

Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation and senator, has faced ongoing controversy regarding her NYSC status. The Corps mentioned that she was called up in 1982/83 but left soon after the orientation phase, never finishing the program or obtaining a release certificate.

Court rejects minister’s request

.ngPreviously, it was reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against Uche Nnaji. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology requested the court to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from disclosing his academic records. He submitted an ex parte application numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.

The motion also aimed to force UNN to disclose his academic transcript.