Former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has said that her resignation from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 was not only because of the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, but also due to what she described as actions by “powerful enemies” within government who wanted her out.
Adeosun made this known during an interview on Inside Sources, a program aired on Channels Television. She said the NYSC certificate issue was used as an opportunity by influential people to force her out of office.
The former minister explained that once the allegation became public, she immediately informed President Buhari and made it clear that she planned to go to court to clear her name. However, she said it would have been wrong to remain in the Federal Executive Council while suing the federal government, leaving her with no option but to resign.
“I had powerful enemies who saw an opening and decided it was time to get rid of me,” Adeosun said during the interview.
The controversy that led to Adeosun’s resignation began in September 2018, when reports emerged alleging that the NYSC certificate she submitted as part of her official records was not genuine. The NYSC scheme is a mandatory one-year national service programme for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30. It is often required for employment in public service and political appointments.
At the time, Adeosun explained that she was exempted from service because she was above the required age when she graduated. However, questions were raised about the certificate attached to her documents, which led to public debate and pressure on the government.
The NYSC later issued a statement saying the certificate presented by the former minister was not issued by the agency. The development sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society groups and opposition figures calling for her resignation.
Adeosun said her decision to step down was not an easy one, noting that she was the only finance minister in Buhari’s administration who resigned voluntarily.
She recalled that on the day she resigned, she went directly to President Buhari to explain her decision. According to her, the former president understood her position and supported her move to protect her name.
“The day I resigned, I went straight to the president and told him I needed to leave, but I would go to court to defend my name,” she said.
She added that Buhari advised her that personal integrity and legacy were more important than holding on to public office.
Adeosun stressed that remaining in government while taking legal action against the same government would have been unethical.
“You can’t be suing the government and remain in government at the same time,” she said. “Stepping aside was the right thing to do.”
Beyond the certificate issue, Adeosun suggested that there were people within the government who were unhappy with her policies and were waiting for a chance to remove her.
While she did not name individuals or groups, she said the finance ministry under her leadership took tough decisions that affected powerful interests.
As finance minister, Adeosun played a key role in implementing economic reforms under the Buhari administration, including efforts to block revenue leakages, improve tax collection, and manage public debt. She was also involved in negotiations with international financial institutions and in the implementation of the government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Kemi Adeosun was appointed Minister of Finance in November 2015, a few months after Buhari assumed office. She was one of the prominent figures in the cabinet and was often described as a strong voice in economic policy discussions.
During her tenure, Nigeria faced economic challenges, including a recession triggered by falling oil prices. Adeosun was part of the team that introduced measures aimed at stabilising the economy, diversifying revenue sources, and increasing government income through taxes and improved compliance.
Supporters of the former minister have often pointed to these efforts as evidence of her commitment to economic reform, while critics have argued that some policies placed additional pressure on citizens and businesses.
Adeosun’s resignation in 2018 generated mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some Nigerians praised her decision to step down in order to address the allegations, others felt the issue exposed deeper problems in the screening process for public officials.
The incident also reignited public debate about the importance of transparency, accountability, and proper documentation for those holding public office.
In recent years, controversies involving certificates and qualifications of public officials have continued to attract attention in Nigeria, raising questions about enforcement of rules and equal treatment under the law.
Since leaving office, Adeosun has kept a relatively low public profile, although she has remained active in private sector work and international engagements. Her recent comments have brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding her exit from government.
By speaking out now, Adeosun appears to be seeking to set the record straight and explain her side of the story, especially her claim that forces within government used the NYSC controversy to push her out.
Her account adds another layer to the history of the Buhari administration and highlights the complex power dynamics that often exist within government.