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**By Jabiru Hassan**
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has demanded the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, **Uche Nnaji**, following his reported admission that the **University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)** did not issue him any degree certificate.
In a statement signed by CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, **Tola Oresanwo**, on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, **Mr. Debo Adeniran**, the group described the revelation as “a national embarrassment and a serious indictment on the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
> “This brazen confession, coming from a sitting minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, undermines the government’s commitment to integrity and transparency in public service,” CACOL stated.
The organization noted that allowing a person holding such a sensitive position to ascend to office on the basis of **false academic claims** is a grave assault on Nigeria’s moral fabric and a betrayal of public trust.
> “It sends a dangerous message to Nigerian youths that deceit and forgery are acceptable routes to power — an impression that must never be tolerated in a country struggling to rebuild confidence in governance,” the statement added.
CACOL therefore called for Nnaji’s **immediate removal from office** and his **prosecution under Nigerian law**, stressing that no individual, regardless of political status, should be above accountability.
The group further urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to good governance by ensuring that the minister faces justice.
> “Anything short of this will confirm the growing suspicion that Nigeria’s leadership structure condones deceit, mediocrity, and illegality,” CACOL warned.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the organization’s stance that **integrity in leadership is non-negotiable**, adding that CACOL will continue to demand accountability from public officials until Nigeria attains a truly transparent and just society.
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