Addressing journalists on behalf of the Minister in Abuja, his spokesperson,  Dr. Robert Ngwu , insisted  Nnaji was a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, having obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division in July 1985.

Ngwu, who described the controversy as a case of political desperation disguised as academic inquiry, said official records from UNN, including its 1985 Convocation Brochure and the University’s registry, confirmed the Minister’s academic history beyond any doubt.

According to Dr. Ngwu, the only valid and authentic communication issued by the University regarding the Minister’s academic record is the letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.

That letter, he said, explicitly confirmed that Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.

The Ministry’s spokesperson expressed shock that nearly two years after the University’s official confirmation, another letter emerged in May 2025, purportedly denying the existence of the Minister’s records.

He questioned the timing and motive of the new claim, noting that it coincided with the emergence of two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Acting Vice Chancellor and later substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.

“The question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask is: what changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change in leadership at the University?” Ngwu asked.

Ngwu disclosed that upon learning of alleged attempts within the University to tamper with his academic file, Chief Nnaji sought redress at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, presided over by Hon. Justice H.J. Yilwa.

On September 22, 2025, the court reportedly issued protective orders restraining the University’s management from altering the Minister’s records and mandating the immediate release of his academic transcript. The court also directed relevant supervisory authorities to ensure full compliance.

“These are not speculative claims, Ngwu said. They are certified orders of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which should have settled the matter once and for all.”

He, however, lamented that instead of complying with the court’s directives, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer by training allegedly resorted to cyberbullying and politically motivated media campaigns against the Minister.

Ngwu alleged that the controversy was fueled by a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of a reputable public servant for political gain.

He blamed a Governor for being behind the whole thing.

The governor, he claimed , wanted to remove him as the APC leader in the state to enhance his (governor’s) second term ambition.

“It is no coincidence that the so-called exposés are being driven by partisan actors and amplified by certain media outlets like Premium Times,” he said.

“This is a deliberate campaign to weaponize institutions and discredit a serving Minister committed to national innovation and development.”

The minister said, “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity-it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry. The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.

“The university of Nigeria Nsukka must uphold its proud motto of restoring the dignity of man. It must regain its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record. This is not about one man’s record-it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.”

Despite the controversy, the Ministry said Chief Nnaji remains focused on his mandate to advance innovation, strengthen Nigeria’s science and technology ecosystem, and drive research-based industrial growth.

“The Honourable Minister will not be distracted by falsehoods or propaganda,” Ngwu assured. He will continue to serve with integrity, dedication, and focus.”

Reiterating the government’s stance, Ngwu stated, “Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985.

“The university officially confirmed this in writing on December 21, 2023. His name and academic details are documented in UNN’s 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains in the University’s permanent archives.Any document or statement to the contrary is false, malicious, and politically motivated.

“We call on the University of Nigeria to uphold its proud motto to restore the dignity of man. It must reclaim its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.

“This is not just about one man’s academic record it is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics. The truth is simple, the record is clear, and the law is now on the side of justice”.

Ngwu noted that the Ministry has full confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to uphold the truth and ensure that justice prevails.