The HallowMace Foundation Africa, a prominent non-governmental organization advocating for transparency and good governance, has raised serious concerns over the recent resignation of Hon. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology amid allegations of certificate forgery. The foundation has called into question the effectiveness of the screening processes by the National Assembly and the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), highlighting a series of institutional failures that allowed the scandal to unfold.
According to the foundation, critical verification steps were neglected during Nnaji’s appointment process. Despite the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowning his credentials in May 2025, and reaffirming their position in October 2025, the National Assembly and DSS reportedly failed to detect these discrepancies during the 2023 screening.
The HallowMace Foundation pointed out that the screening procedures lacked rigorous checks, including direct verification with the issuing university, a standard that should have been easily accessible given UNN’s location within Nigeria. The foundation also criticized the “bow and go” practice, where nominees, especially former legislators, are exempted from in-depth questioning and portfolio-specific assessments.
Beyond domestic implications, the NGO emphasized the damaging impact such scandals have on Nigeria’s global reputation. Citing recent studies, the foundation noted that Nigeria suffers billions in economic losses annually due to stereotype-based discrimination, a situation worsened by repeated incidents of credential fraud at high government levels.
In response, the HallowMace Foundation demanded full transparency from the National Assembly and DSS, including public disclosure of the screening report and clear explanations for the procedural lapses. The NGO further calls for comprehensive reforms in the ministerial screening process to restore public trust and protect Nigeria’s international standing.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, and Head of Public Communications, Amb. Oguh Hyginus John, urged swift and decisive action, stressed the Nigerian public’s right to accountable governance free from fraudulent leadership.
The government and relevant agencies have yet to issue official responses to the foundation’s demands as public pressure mount for institutional reforms.
