Uche Nnaji, the Minister for Innovation, Science, and Technology, who is currently embroiled in a certificate forgery scandal, has urged Nigerian youths to pursue academic certifications as part of their self-development.
Despite allegations surrounding the forgery of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, Mr. Nnaji made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
The minister stated on Saturday, “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.”
Nnaji, who was appointed by Bola Tinubu on July 7, 2023, despite the ongoing certificate scandal, emphasized the importance of academic and technical education in driving innovation within the sector.
He highlighted that the curriculum at the new college would include various aspects of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy.
The initiative, according to the minister, reflects the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology’s commitment to addressing the manpower gap in the renewable energy industry and collaborating with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
“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,” Nnaji added.
The minister’s remarks come amid recent reports by Peoples Gazette, which revealed that Mr. Nnaji allegedly possesses a fraudulent NYSC certificate, with claims that the State Security Service (SSS) concealed the forgery during the vetting process.
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