The erstwhile minister recently resigned from office over certificates forgery scandal. An online newspaper, Premium Times, had published an investigate report, which showed that Nnaji allegedly forged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate, which he submitted to the Senate, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), and Directorate of State Service (DSS) for his appointment, screening, and confirmation as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government in August 2023.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Executive Director, CASER, Mr Frank Tietie, said the organisation had already written to the Attorney General of Enugu State to immediately begin the prosecution of Nnaji as federal agencies that should have prosecuted him appeared to be dragging their feet.

According to the lawyer and activist, the dereliction of duty on the part of federal agencies, especially when linked to high-profile personalities, undermines public confidence in the nation’s justice system and erodes the foundational principle that no one is above the law.

He said: “It is precisely the perceived inaction and selective enforcement by these federal agencies for reasons that are politically obvious that has compelled CASER to formally request the Honourable Attorney General of Enugu State to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to investigate and prosecute Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji for alleged acts amounting to forgery and related offences.

“Section 211 empowers a State Attorney General to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person in respect of offences created by law in that state.

“This request by CASER is not politically motivated, it is a principled call for justice, deterrence, and the restoration of institutional integrity. If the federal agencies will not act because of political convenience or political correctness, then a state authority that still believes in the sanctity of law must do so.”

In case the Enugu State Attorney General is unwilling to prosecute the case, CASER asks him to issue a fiat to private citizens to prosecute the matter.

Tietie exhibited a copy of the letter sent to the Enugu State Attorney General and which was dated 6th October 2025, delivered and duly acknowledged on 7th October 2025.

CASER maintained that “failure to prosecute politically exposed persons sends a dangerous message that some individuals are above the law and this cannot continue if Nigeria is to strengthen democracy, uphold the Constitution, and command international respect as a nation governed by laws, not by persons.”

Recall that on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Alliance, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), several senior lawyers, and CSOs also called for the investigation and prosecution of Nnaji, insisting that resignation was not an atonement for alleged offences of forgery and perjury.

However, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), demanded that Nnaji be banned from holding public office for life to serve as a deterrent to others.

“He did not resign of his own volition. He was forced by the public, the media, and the civil society to resign. He didn’t resign as an honourable man. He actually went to court to stop the university from releasing his record. In fact, we should ban him from public office for life,” he stated.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, was officially launched on Thursday in partnership with the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC).

The charging station, located at the headquarters of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), was built to serve as a blueprint for future sustainable energy projects. Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, described the move as a big win in Nigeria’s transition to clean energy and a step towards reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

At the commissioning, Nnaji stressed the importance of this project in aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises sustainability and innovation. He urged stakeholders to build on this initiative and ensure electric mobility is not just an experiment but a widespread reality in Nigeria.

“This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone; it is a testament to our nation’s resolve to embrace technological advancement in energy and transportation,” he stated.

Beyond reducing emissions, the government sees electric mobility as a means to cut fuel dependency and create jobs in the green economy. Nnaji reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on developing policies that foster investment in sustainable transport and clean energy solutions.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, director-general of the ECN, highlighted the station’s advanced design, which allows it to operate using both solar photovoltaic (PV) energy and power from the national grid. He explained that the system includes a fast-charging feature that can fully power an electric vehicle in just 30 minutes.

“The facility is equipped with a 20-kilowatt lithium battery and a BVA intelligent inverter to ensure quick charging and ease of maintenance,” Abdullahi said. He further noted that the project aligns with Nigeria’s climate commitments and clean energy policies, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Abdullahi commended the collaboration between the ECN and EMVC, recognising the latter as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for his leadership and support in making the project a reality.

The unveiling of the charging station aligns with the government’s goal to promote EV adoption in Nigeria. However, challenges such as infrastructure development, affordability, and energy supply remain. 

Nnaji stressed the need for collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to scale up similar projects across the country.

“This is just the beginning. We must collectively work towards expanding this initiative across Nigeria, ensuring electric mobility is not just an idea but a practical solution,” he added.

The agreement was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology headquarters in Abuja.

This collaboration aims to introduce a structured framework for the gaming sector, ensuring adherence to regulations, increasing revenue generation, and enabling technological growth.

One of the key aspects of the partnership is the establishment of clear guidelines to regulate gaming operations in Nigeria. 

These guidelines will help curb illegal activities, promote consumer protection, and create an adequate environment for operators and investors.

Again, the initiative seeks to attract global partnerships and foreign investments by ensuring Nigeria becomes competitive in the international gaming market.

Speaking at the signing, the Director General of NOTAP, Dr. Lady Obiageli Amadiobi, described the partnership as a necessary step toward modernising the industry. She noted that structured regulations and technology-driven innovations would contribute significantly to the sector’s growth.

Azare Consulting’s representative, Saadatu Hamu, spoke on the importance of the agreement in aligning Nigeria’s gaming industry with international best practices. “This collaboration will bring structural integrity and global best practices to Nigeria’s gaming sector, enhancing transparency and investor confidence,” she said.

Beyond regulatory improvements, the partnership will also focus on capacity building. Training programmes will be introduced to equip industry professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the dynamic gaming sector. 

This initiative is expected to promote technological advancement and create employment opportunities within the sector.

There is absolutely no intention to belittle or disparage his credentials, but the fact remains that he does not meet the legal requirements for the position which he currently occupies thereby making the entire exercise a nullity.

The appointment was done in contravention of the unambiguous provisions of Section 9 of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act (RMRDC) 2022 which states as follows:

9 (1) There shall be appointed for the Council, a Director-General, who shall be the chief executive officer of the Council.

(2) The Director-General shall –

(a) be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Board through the Minister responsible for Science and Technology.

(b) possess at least 18 years post qualification experience in science, engineering and technology subjects with vast cognate experience in raw materials acquisition, exploitation, conservation and development.

The use of the word “shall” is an imperative command usually indicating that certain actions are mandatory and not permissive.

This contrasts with the word “may” which is generally used to indicate a permissive provision, ordinarily implying some degree of discretion.

The framers of the RMRDC Act were cognisant of these in using the word “shall” to provide needed guidance on the prerequisites or legal threshold to be met for the appointment of RMRDC DG.

The word “shall” is used in legal drafting to impose a duty. A duty the Minister and all those responsible have woefully failed to discharge.

This is no doubt a show of shame and another example of brigandage in our political culture.

I am led to believe that the current Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, has a Science background and should know better than to be a part of this ill-advised appointment.

President Bola Tinubu has done a reasonably good job of assigning roles to his appointees according to their areas of expertise.

It is therefore comes as a surprise that this contravention of mandatory legal requirements for appointment escaped the notice of the Presidency.

This appointment is an embarrassment and both the Minister and his appointee know it. No matter how much they try to burnish and embellish the credentials and profile of Prof. Ike-Muonso, he is neither an engineer, scientist or technologist within the contemplation of Section 9 of the Raw Materials Research And Development Council Act of 2022.

This is also an affront on the science and engineering community in Nigeria and the silence of this community is saddening.

The immediate past DG is an engineer and so also was the one before him. So what brought us to this sad state of affairs where people who are meant to enforce the rule of law continually trample on same?

Have we run out of scientists and engineers in Nigeria or are we simply to defer to the wishes of those seeking “jobs for the boys”?

I call on the Science and Engineering community to take a firm stand against this executive rascality currently going on at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Entities such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) should take all necessary steps to reverse this blatant usurpation of their role in such a critical Institute.

ASURI did a commendable job when it resisted the sit-tight designs of the immediate past DG of RMRDC who was intent on tenure elongation after serving two five-year terms which is the legal maximum.

I am yet to see the parent unions in research institutes in Nigeria like SSA, NASU, and especially ASURI take a stand or make a pronouncement on this illegal appointment. Or have they all been compromised or intimidated into silence?

In order to develop, science and Technology must be given its pride of place in Nigeria and political office holders who do not still know this are not worthy of their positions.

Trading in commodities or raw materials is not and will never be a Science and Engineering qualification. If it were, a lot of traders with long experiences trading in commodities can also be found for the DG role.

Prof. Ike-Muonso has never done any work in a science laboratory and will be out of his depths as DG of RMRDC. This appointment has put him in uncharted territory and dressed him in  Shakespearean borrowed robes.

The Honourable Minister is already seen by many stakeholders and Nigerians as one of the least performing ministers in the President Tinubu administration and is facing possible replacement in the rumoured imminent cabinet reshuffle.

He should tread with caution as this kind of recklessness will not help his dwindling profile.

We all recall the recent example of Chukwuemeka Woke whose appointment on the 9th of May, 2024 as the managing director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority was met with stiff opposition from Nigerians because he is not from the South West region.

This led to his swift removal by President Tinubu and subsequent redeployment to another agency. I join other well-meaning Nigerians to urge Mr. President to have the courage to do the right thing as always.

*Adekola Malomo writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

To say that it is expected that such an enterprising professional with background in innovations and sciences from his youth, will be an understatement.

Coming on the heels of the last Minister for Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu (before the addendum of Innovations), this unique ministry became important from the onset of this democratic dispensation in 1999. From then till date, 8 different minsters of varying backgrounds have overseen this ministry with varying degrees of success and performance. Without going into specifics, most of the activities of the previous occupants of that seat, could be easily measured from the state of the Agencies within the ministry over the years.

According to official description, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is a Nigerian ministry whose mission is to facilitate the development and deployment of science and technology apparatus to enhance the pace of socio-economic development of the country through appropriate technological inputs into productive activities in the nation.

It is headed by a Minister appointed by the President, assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who is a career civil servant.

It is on record that President Bola Tinubu, on 16 August 2023 appointed Chief Uche Nnaji as the Minister, while Dr. (Mrs) Amina Muhammed Bello Shamaki is the current permanent secretary in the ministry. By so doing, the responsibility of using his skills and understanding to create a viable science and technology sector through innovation and research, squarely rests on the shoulders of the High Chief of Nkanu land in Enugu state.

This is a no mean feat as the Ministry boasts of the third highest with number of parastatal/ agencies (18) after Economy ministry (30) and FCT (21).

For the Uche Nnaji -led ministry to make a lasting impact that’ll be felt even after office and demonstrate his capacity as well as justify the confidence of the President in his choice as minister, each and every agency under his ministry must feel his presence.

To achieve this, Chief Uche Nnaji might want to look at the following:

1. National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)

Officially, TIP is an integrated government support programme to government establishments such as academic institutions, research centres and private sector, either individually or in partnership with the intention of creating and nurturing of budding value-added and technology-based enterprise.

There is need to independent research assessment to thoroughly ascertain the weaknesses of the Agency and proffer solutions.

2. Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)

ECN has statutory mandate for the strategic planning and co-ordination of national policies in the field of Energy in all its ramifications. The new minister must focus on the efforts of ECN regarding the comatose.

The Minister must engage the private sector to ensure actual implementation of the Energy Policy of the country.

3. Nigerian institute of science laboratory technology (NISLT)

NISLT has the mandate to ensure effective and efficient management and administration of laboratories in all the tertiary and Research Institutions in the country. A detailed assessment of this institute, to ascertain its level of effectiveness on its mandate especially across institutions offering the course of study, is mandatory.

4. National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)

This agency was established to implement the policy that is aimed at conducting research, promotion, coordination and development of biotechnology for Nigeria.

With the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops in Nigeria, the new minister needs to commission an impact assessment of GM crops in the country.

5. National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) – This agency is vested with the mandate of training and developing middle-to-high level manpower and conducting policy research in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) management for all tiers of government and the private sector. It is lacking in ensuring the planning, development, use and diffusion of technology as well as its application to the industry and its impacts on the social, economic, cultural, political and geographical environment of Nigeria.

6. National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT)

This agency was created to provide globally competitive and environmentally friendly technologies in industrial, agro-chemicals, solid minerals, bio-chemicals, man-made fibers, effluent monitoring and control, petrochemicals, engineering plastics and allied chemicals for the technological and economic advancement of Nigeria.

The minister might want to find out why the Agency is lacking in capacity in renewable energy research, catalysis, and treatment of industrial effluent waste.

7. Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO)

Though set up to to carry out research and development activities in the field of technology and the operation of a nuclear research facility, Nigeria is nowhere near the fulfillment of this mandate.

8. Project Development Institute (PRODA)

Provider Digital Access Enugu was set up to facilitate the Nation’s drive towards technological self-reliance, by producing the capital goods and process technologies needed by SMEs to produce local raw materials in producing consumer goods.

A concept that started out on a great note has died over the years. The new minister needs to commission independent asset assessment review for the PRODA facilities.

9. Federal Institute of Food & Industrial Research (FIIRO)

With a mandate of accelerating industrialization in Nigeria FIIRO has over the years developed technologies that have promoted the ideals of entrepreneurship development. However, it has mostly performed below its capacity.

10. National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)

An agency designed to accelerate rapid technological development for the country, NASENI was designed to conduct developmental work in the areas of manufacturing, and as such, it can coordinate the proliferation of technologies developed either within or outside of its Centers including patents obtained.

This is one of the most under-performing Agencies under the Ministry and the new Minister will have to set in motion modalities to checkmate the gross misuse of NASENI levy collected over the years.

11. Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis And Onchocerciasis (NITR) – This agency was created towards the elimination of the two Neglected Tropical Diseases, African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness in man, nagana in domestic animals) and Onchocerciasis (River blindness). But of late it has been rather more concerned with leadership squabbles and counter accusations of corruption rather than research. The minister needs to help install a qualified Veterinary professional outside the already compromised institution, for better results to come out from the institute.

12. National Office for Technology Acquisition And Promotion (NOTAP)

An agency with a mandate to implement the acquisition, promotion, and development of technology and at the same time correct certain imperfections in the acquisition of foreign technology into the country. NOTAP however has not been able to live up to expectations.

The Minister must look into the challenges companies face in obtaining approval from NOTAP over technology transfer agreements with foreign companies especially as it affects remittances and tax bedeviling the Agency.

13. Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA)

An agency created for the research, development, documentation and promotion of Nigeria’s Indigenous Medicine for sustainable integration into the national healthcare delivery system. Since it launched its research on MALARIA ELIMINATION PROJECT and -ANTI-DIABETIC PROJECT, the agency is yet to conclude and present its findings.

14. National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA)

This Agency was created to focus on research and rigorous education, engineering development, design and manufacture, particularly in the areas of instrumentation, rocketry and small satellites as well as in satellite data acquisition, processing, analysis and management of related software.

The minister might want to know that there is need to commission asset assessment review of the Agency urgently.

15. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)

This agency is a research institution that is responsible for industrial raw materials growth, promotion and utilization. The minister needs to find out why RMRDC finds it hard to tackle rejection of Nigeria’s agro and mineral resources in the international markets.

16. Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBBRI)

This is an institute responsible for researching and developing road and building materials for the Nigerian building industry.

The RMRDC has so far not come up with any unique innovation in either building or road construction in Nigeria. A commission of inquiry is what the new Minister ought to constitute for this agency.

17. National Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST)

One of the oldest Agencies in Nigeria, set up to provide courses of instructions, Training and Research in the field of Leather and Leather Product Technology and conduct research and Development on Leather Technologies and Goods Production. NILEST has been unable to push forward the National Leather, Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan till date.

In conclusion, the new Minister has a date with fate as he tackles all the challenges before him especially in his mandate to reposition the Nation’s foray in science and technology. This he can only achieve by first clearing the Augean stable of the Agencies under his ministry and ensure optimum performance. We wait to celebrate his expected success stories.

Ejiofor Agada, a social/political and technology industry commentator, writes from Abuja. He can be reached via ejiofor.agada@gmail.com