Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji is pursuing an out-of-court resolution in a legal suit he filed in October 2025 to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other parties from releasing or tampering with his academic records. The suit followed allegations that Nnaji forged his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, which he reportedly submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening. Defendants include the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, its Vice-Chancellor Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, former Acting Vice-Chancellor Oguejiofo Ujam, and the university's Senate. The case has not proceeded to full hearing due to procedural delays, including issues with service of court processes and pending preliminary objections. On Monday, Nnaji's lawyer, Ope Muritala, informed the court that parties were exploring a settlement and requested an adjournment. Counsel for the Minister of Education and NUC, P. C. Ike and N. H. Obah, said they learned of the development only in court but did not oppose the request. Chidubem Ugwueze, representing UNN and its officials, confirmed that Chief Chris Uche, SAN, had relayed settlement discussions initiated by Nnaji's lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. The defendants supported the talks but urged the court to hear their motion for regularisation in case the settlement fails. Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the case to July 8, 2026, after declining to entertain the motion, stating it would be considered only if settlement efforts collapse. Nnaji's suit seeks prerogative writs and an interim injunction to stop interference with his academic records. UNN and its officials have filed a preliminary objection, arguing the suit is out of time, procedurally flawed, and lacks jurisdiction.
Uche Nnaji is seeking court protection from the release of his academic records while simultaneously pushing for a private settlement, creating a contradiction between public accountability and behind-closed-doors resolution. The defendants named in the suit, including the Minister of Education and UNN's Vice-Chancellor, face no immediate public reckoning if the matter is settled out of court. Nigerians familiar with the ministerial screening process may question how allegations involving submitted credentials can be resolved without transparency. The adjournment to July 8, 2026, leaves unanswered whether the public will ever see a full hearing on the claims.
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