The National Youth Service Corps has disowned the discharge certificate presented by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Geoffrey Nnaji. The corps made its position known at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. Nnaji is standing trial on six charges, including alleged forgery of his NYSC discharge certificate and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka certificate. He presented both documents to secure his ministerial appointment in 2023. The charges also include money laundering allegations.
The ICPC launched an investigation into Nnaji after Premium Times had exposed the certificate forgery scandal. The report led to his resignation from office in 2025. He is now the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for Enugu State in 2027. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik is hearing the case. The NYSC’s testimony is central to the prosecution’s case.
Yusuf Jumare, an Assistant Director in the NYSC’s Department of Certification, appeared as the second prosecution witness. He told the court that his department's investigation established that the certificate was fake. Led in evidence by prosecution lawyer Jimoh Abdulmumuni, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jumare identified four defects.
First, the certificate number, purportedly issued in 1985, carried the prefix “A.” The NYSC did not begin using that prefix until 1990. Second, the call-up number on the certificate had four digits. The NYSC was using five-digit call-up numbers in 1985. Third, the certificate indicated a service year of 13 months instead of the statutory 12 months. Fourth, the copy presented was not signed by the NYSC Director-General at the time.
The prosecution tendered copies of correspondence between the ICPC and the NYSC. They were admitted as exhibits. The defence said it was not served with the documents and reserved its objection until the final address. The trial continues.
Winners: The prosecution, which produced a key witness. The NYSC, which defended its records. The ICPC, which built the case. Losers: Nnaji, whose certificate is challenged. His political ambition, which faces uncertainty. The PDP, which may lose its Enugu candidate. Public trust in certificate verification, which erodes with each forgery case.
Bottom Line: The NYSC says the certificate is fake. It listed four defects. The court will decide. Nnaji denies the charges. The case continues.