Court Fixes Nov 10 for Hearing of Minister Nnaji’s Suit Against UNN
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 10 November 2025 for the hearing of a suit filed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), over the alleged refusal to release his academic transcript.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, lists the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, the Registrar, a former acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguenjiofor Ujam, and the Senate of the University as respondents.
In the suit, Nnaji is seeking a prerogative writ of mandamus to compel UNN to release his transcript and an interim injunction restraining the university and its officials from tampering with his academic records pending the determination of the case.
Nnaji, who graduated with a BSc in Microbiology/Biochemistry with second class honours (lower division) in 1985, alleged that the university’s refusal to release his transcript and the conflicting reports about his records were politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation.
Through his spokesman, Dr Robert Ngwu, the minister presented documentary evidence including the 1985 graduation brochure and letters from the Registrar confirming his admission in 1981 and graduation in 1985.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Nnaji said, “It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry. The timing, the sources, the false documents and the paid narratives all point to a coordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.”
He added that his legal action was to protect the authenticity of his records and the reputation of UNN: “This is not about one man’s record. It is about protecting truth, preserving institutional honour and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever becomes a pawn in partisan politics.”
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the hearing to 10 November after UNN’s legal team failed to file their replies. Counsel to the university, identified as Asogwa, told the court that although he did not concede to Nnaji’s claims, he would advise his clients to maintain the status quo until the case is decided.
Justice Yilwa had earlier, on 22 September, declined to grant the minister’s ex parte application for an injunction, directing him instead to serve all respondents to enable them to respond to his claims.
Meanwhile, the development coincided with comments from Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies to verify the academic credentials of political office seekers.
Obi noted that the acceptance of forged certificates in past elections undermined public trust, stressing that certificate forgery remains a serious criminal offence.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
