Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has explained that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was a personal decision aimed at protecting his integrity and avoiding distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday, amid controversies over his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery. His exit was later confirmed by the Presidency.

In a statement issued on the same day, the former minister said he arrived at the decision after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

He described the controversies surrounding his tenure as “an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” against his person and office.

 “These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” Nnaji said.

He stressed that his resignation was not an admission of guilt, but a principled decision to uphold due process and respect ongoing judicial proceedings.

 “My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he added.

Nnaji said he could not in good conscience allow “distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives” of the Tinubu administration, noting that his reputation was built over “five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve, pledging continued loyalty to the administration’s vision for a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, resigned amid ongoing investigations into alleged procurement irregularities within his ministry. He and the Enugu State Government had earlier traded words over claims that he presented forged certificates.