The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

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“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

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The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

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“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

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“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

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“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will be conducted on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

The service said the online test marks a major step in its ongoing nationwide recruitment process aimed at strengthening manpower in the middle and lower ranks of the organisation.

The exercise, according to the statement, will be held entirely online to ensure fairness, transparency and equal access for applicants across the country.

Candidates have been grouped into three batches A, B and C and are required to log in with their National Identification Number (NIN) through the official portal https://updates.customs.gov.ng, https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to check their batch, date and time of examination.

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The NCS emphasised that compliance with the allocated schedule is compulsory, warning that failure to adhere could result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants have been strongly advised against the use of calculators, mobile phones or any other electronic devices during the examination.

The service further cautioned against multiple log-ins or switching between browser windows, stressing that such actions could disrupt or terminate participation in the test.

Only candidates shortlisted under the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres are eligible to participate at this stage, while those in the Superintendent cadre will be notified separately for their own phase of the process.

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NCS noted that the exam represents part of the NCS’s ongoing effort to modernise its recruitment and ensure that only qualified candidates proceed to the next stage of selection.

The use of online testing, they said, allows for improved efficiency and reduces human interference in the marking and assessment process.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency, and merit-based recruitment, urging all applicants to follow the laid-down procedures strictly.

It also encouraged candidates to maintain vigilance against online scammers or fake recruitment agents posing as customs officials, warning that all genuine updates would be published only through official NCS channels and its verified social media pages.