A new twist has emerged in the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, as an official letter from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) appears to contradict recent statements by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya.
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In a letter dated December 21, 2023, and signed on behalf of the Registrar by I.A.S. Onyebaoha, the University confirmed that Nnaji was indeed admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Hons.) Lower Division.
The letter, addressed to Samuel Ogundipe of the People’s Gazette, explicitly states:
“This is to confirm that Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji with registration number 1981/30725 was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985 with Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Hons.) Lower Division.”
However, in a subsequent letter to Premium Times, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya dismissed the claim, insisting that available records do not show Nnaji as a graduate of the institution.
“From every available record, we are unable to confirm that he graduated in July 1985. The university DID NOT and COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Further investigation by Premium Times uncovered alleged irregularities in Nnaji’s academic and NYSC records. The report claims that his NYSC discharge certificate was signed by a director who was not in office in 1986 and showed a 13-month service that began before his purported graduation date.
The conflicting communications — one confirming graduation and another denying it — have fueled widespread confusion and raised questions about the integrity of official documentation from UNN.
