Questions over fake certificates and incomplete NYSC service have long haunted Nigeria’s political class. From forged documents to skipped service years, several ministers have found themselves at the centre of scandals that raise serious concerns about honesty and accountability in public office.
Here is a closer look at some Nigerian ministers who have faced public scrutiny over their academic qualifications and NYSC credentials.
Uche Nnaji – Disowned by UNN and NYSC
Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is currently battling a major credibility crisis. Reports revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree he claimed to have earned.
According to the institution, Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never issued a degree certificate.
The NYSC also reportedly distanced itself from his supposed service records, further deepening the controversy. The minister has gone to court, asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop UNN from releasing his academic records.
However, the court rejected his request, allowing the university to make the information public.
Kemi Adeosun – The Famous NYSC Exemption Certificate Scandal
Kemi Adeosun’s case remains one of Nigeria’s most widely discussed credential controversies. Appointed as Minister of Finance in 2015, Adeosun was later accused of presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate.
Investigations revealed irregularities in the document including a signature from a former NYSC Director-General who had already left office before the certificate’s date.
Amid mounting pressure and media attention, Adeosun resigned in September 2018. She claimed she had obtained the exemption certificate in good faith, unaware it was not genuine.
Adebayo Shittu – No NYSC at All
Former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu admitted he never took part in the mandatory NYSC programme after graduating from the University of Ife in 1978. Shittu argued that his early entry into politics was a form of service to the nation, but critics said he violated the NYSC Act.
Although he was not accused of forgery, his case reignited debates about selective enforcement of laws among political elites.
Hannatu Musawa – Serving NYSC While a Minister
Hannatu Musawa, the current Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, faced backlash in 2023 after reports emerged that she was still a serving NYSC member when appointed.
Critics argued that this breached NYSC rules, which forbid corps members from holding political or government positions.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) even went to court, asking for her removal. However, in April 2024, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case, allowing Musawa to continue in office.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – Accused of Certificate Forgery
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, was accused of presenting a forged NYSC discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023. The controversy came from mismatched details and unclear service timelines.
After investigations, the NYSC issued a statement confirming that Tunji-Ojo’s certificate was authentic. Despite the clarification, the episode added to the growing list of NYSC-related controversies within the government.
Stella Oduah – Absconded from NYSC
Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation and serving senator, has faced years of scrutiny over her NYSC status. According to the Corps, Oduah was mobilised for service in 1982/83 but reportedly absconded shortly after the orientation camp.
She never completed her service or obtained a discharge certificate. Her case has resurfaced several times, each time reinforcing public frustration over the lack of accountability for top officials accused of misconduct.