Forgery Trial: NYSC Disowns Ex-Minister Nnaji’s Discharge Certificate, Identifies 4 Defects

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has disowned a certificate issued to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, stating it was not issued by the corps. Nnaji is currently on trial for six charges, including forgery of NYSC discharge certificates and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate.

Yusuf Abubakar Jumare, Assistant Director in the NYSC Department of Certification, testified that his department's investigation confirmed the document's falsity. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Nnaji for certificate forgery and money laundering under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026.

Four distinct aspects of the certificate were identified as problematic by Jumare: the prefix "A" in the certificate number, which wasn't used until 1990; the four-digit call-up number (0137) instead of five digits used in 1985; a service period of 13 months, while service periods typically span 12 calendar months; and the certificate being signed by a "National General," rather than the then-CEO's designation of "Director."