Uche Nnaji, minister for innovation, science and technology, who is enmeshed in a certificate forgery, has asked Nigerian youths to work towards obtaining academic certification as they strive towards self-development. 

Mr Nnaji, who was embroiled in forgery of the certificate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), gave the admonition at the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi state.

“The vision behind this college is very simple, yet very much consolidated; as it is focused on the establishment of a college of excellence that will equip our youth with skills, technical knowledge and academic proficiency and certification needed to drive the renewable energy sector,” the minister, who was confirmed by President Bola Tinubu, amid the certificate scandal, said this on Saturday.  

Mr Nnaji, from Enugu, was among the 44 other cabinet ministers quickly unveiled by Mr Tinubu on July 7, 2023, in Abuja, despite efforts by the state security services (SSS) to verify his certificate with the NYSC. 

Speaking further, the minister said the college would offer a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses the various aspects of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, among several others. 

He added that the establishment of the college showed the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s commitment to addressing the manpower gap in the Renewable Energy (RE) industry and harnessing abundant energy resources through effective collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

According to him, the students of the college would also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on training, and a college comprised of leading experts in the field of energy.

“It is very pertinent to emphasize that the success of this institution will rely largely on the support of the state government and the communities to ensure the nurture and growth of the wonderful initiative we are celebrating today.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to solicit the full support of the indigenes and Kogi State Government in driving the process; through the creation of a conducive environment for the sustainability of research, innovation, and practical applications of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in the rural communities.”

A recent investigation launched by Peoples Gazette revealed how Mr Nnaji possesses a fraudulent NYSC certificate, while the SSS allegedly concealed the forgery.