By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Dr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who stepped down from his position following allegations that have recently trailed his tenure.
Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023 as part of President Tinubu’s first cabinet, tendered his resignation in a letter to the President on Monday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation. In his letter, the former minister stated that his decision was driven by a desire to protect the image of the administration and allow due process to run its course over the allegations against him.
“I have been a target of blackmail and political persecution from individuals who feel threatened by the reforms we introduced in the ministry,” Nnaji was quoted as saying in his letter. “In the interest of the administration and the nation, I have chosen to step aside to clear my name and avoid further distractions.”
While the nature of the allegations remains unclear, sources within the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology disclosed that Nnaji had faced mounting scrutiny in recent weeks over certain administrative and procurement-related issues.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued on Monday, confirmed that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation and commended Nnaji for his service.
“President Tinubu thanks Dr. Geoffrey Nnaji for his contributions to national development during his tenure and wishes him success in his future endeavours,” Onanuga stated.
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Nnaji, a former university lecturer and technocrat, was among the first set of ministers appointed by Tinubu after his inauguration in May 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to reposition Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem, with initiatives aimed at boosting research funding and fostering collaboration between government and private innovators.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the political observers note that his exit marks the second ministerial resignation since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration, following the earlier departure of a junior minister in 2024.
The Presidency is yet to announce a replacement for the Innovation, Science, and Technology portfolio. Insiders suggest that a substantive successor may be named in the coming days to sustain the ministry’s policy momentum.
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As the administration continues its mid-term review of cabinet performance, Nnaji’s resignation underscores the political and ethical challenges confronting Tinubu’s team amid rising public expectations for transparency and accountability.
