King ZaraUche Nnaji is a Nigerian entrepreneur, business mogul, philanthropist, and politician. He is best known for his brief service as Nigeria’s minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nnaji first established himself as a businessman before becoming a government minister. His entrepreneurial spirit and transition into politics depict him as a man of great ambition. However, his story is not without significant controversy and scandal.
This is the biography and full story about Uchechukwu Geoffrey Nnaji.
Who is Uche Geoffrey Nnaji? (Quick Facts)
- Full Name: Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji
- Date of Birth: June 16, 1963
- Age: 62 (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Akpugo, Enugu State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Enugu State
- Tribe: Igbo
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Politician
- Famous For: Successful business career and role as former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
- Father: Chief Obed Nnaji
- Mother: Monica Nnenna Nnaji
- Siblings: 3
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Married (Name not publicly disclosed)
- Children: 4
- Education: Santa Maria Primary School, St. Patrick’s College, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Early Life and Education
Minister Uche Nnaji was born into the family of Late Chief Obed Nnaji and Monica Nnenna Nnaji in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. He is the eldest of four children. Tragedy struck early when he lost his father in 1978.
He attended Santa Maria Primary School (now Ziks Avenue Primary School) and St. Patrick’s College in Emene, Enugu. He would later proceed to the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he had his university education. He has stated that he earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 1985, though this claim would later become the center of a major public controversy in the country.
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Business Career
After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nnaji chose to start a business rather than search for jobs. With initial capital from his mother, he ventured into the importation of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies from London, which he sold and supplied to several hospitals in Enugu.
His business acumen was exceptional, and his success in medical procurement catapulted him to major local and foreign contracts. He is cited as the first African to procure a CT scan from PHILIPS MEDICAL in Germany. He secured a landmark contract for the procurement and installation of materials for the new University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla.
Nnaji diversified his business empire and investments into other industrial sectors, including manufacturing, e-commerce, importation of motor parts, and investments in oil and gas, e-commerce, which has created significant employment opportunities in Enugu State.
Political Career
Nnaji’s foray into politics began with Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. He was a key figure in establishing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State.
In 1999, he was elected Senator for Enugu East but famously relinquished the seat to Chief Jim Nwobodo. He ran for Governor of Enugu State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was defeated.
In August 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him to the cabinet as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He focused on promoting locally made goods and services to boost the economy.
Uche Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position in October 2025, amid the ongoing certificate scandal.
Controversies and Scandals
Chief Nnaji’s career has been shadowed by a protracted certificate forgery scandal. The controversy centers on his claimed B.Sc. degree from UNN and his NYSC discharge certificate, which he presented during his ministerial screening.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has stated in official responses that he was admitted in 1981 but did not graduate or complete his studies and was never awarded a degree, contradicting his public claims of graduating in July 1985.
Investigative reports highlighted inconsistencies in his NYSC certificate, including the date of service preceding his claimed graduation. The service period is claimed to have started in April 1985, which is only three months before his purported graduation from the university in July 1985.
His NYSC certificate was signed by a “National Director” in 1986, but the certificate numbering format and title weren’t in use by the NYSC until the 1990s.
This scandal was widely reported as the primary reason for his resignation as Minister in 2025. Nnaji has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining he graduated from the UNN in 1985 and completed his mandatory national service. He attributed the controversy to political opponents attempting to damage his reputation and even instituted a legal challenge against the UNN over the issue.
The public scrutiny and investigation into the issue are reported to be the cause of his resignation as minister.
Personal Life
Uche Nnaji is a married man and a father of four. He keeps his immediate family out of the public eye. He is known to be a devout Christian and a philanthropist, though specific details of his charitable work are not widely publicized. His brother, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, is also in politics, serving in the House of Representatives, as the representative of Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency.
Uche Nnaji Net Worth
Chief Uche Nnaji remains a political giant in Enugu State and will be remembered as a successful businessman and entrepreneur. His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uche Geoffrey Nnaji
1. Why did Uche Nnaji resign as Minister?
He resigned in October 2025 amid intense public scrutiny and ongoing investigations into allegations that he forged his university degree and NYSC certificates.
2. What is Uche Nnaji’s net worth?
While he is undoubtedly a wealthy man from his diverse business ventures, his exact net worth is not publicly verified.
3. Is it true he didn’t graduate from UNN?
This is the core of the controversy. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has officially stated that he did not graduate, while Nnaji insists that he did. This discrepancy was never fully resolved in the public domain.
4. Who is Uche Nnaji’s brother?
His brother is Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency.
5. What businesses is he known for?
He is best known for his pioneering work in procuring medical equipment and supplies, and for his diverse investments in sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and importation.
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