Certificate Row: Nnaji, UNN Seek Out Of Court Resolution
Fresh developments have emerged in the legal dispute involving former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as parties in the case have opted to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
Proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, were stalled on Monday after counsel to Nnaji informed the court of ongoing reconciliation efforts between the parties.
Nnaji had approached the court seeking to restrain the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and its officials from releasing his academic records amid allegations of certificate forgery. The claims, which surfaced through media reports, questioned the authenticity of his degree and National Youth Service Corps documentation and preceded his resignation from office in 2025.
At the resumed hearing, Nnaji’s counsel, Ope Muritala, stated that although the matter was scheduled for hearing of pending applications, “there is a new development as parties are exploring an out-of-court settlement.” He subsequently applied for an adjournment to allow time for negotiations.
Counsel representing the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission said they were not previously informed of the development but did not oppose the application.
Legal representatives of UNN and its officials confirmed awareness of the settlement move. Chidubem Ugwueze, appearing for the 3rd to 7th defendants, told the court that lead counsel Chris Uche, SAN, had communicated the plan. While expressing no objection, he urged the court to consider their pending motion for regularisation should settlement talks collapse.
Justice Yilwa declined to entertain the application at this stage, stating it would only be considered if negotiations fail. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 8 for a report on settlement.
Court filings show that Nnaji, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, sought leave to issue prerogative writs, including mandamus, compelling the university to release his academic transcript. He also requested an order directing the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission to exercise supervisory powers over the institution.
Additionally, he sought an interim injunction restraining the university from “tampering” with his academic records pending determination of the suit.
However, UNN and its officials, listed as 3rd to 7th defendants, challenged the suit through a preliminary objection, urging the court to strike it out for lack of jurisdiction. They argued that the application was filed outside the statutory three-month window stipulated under Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004.
The defendants further contended that the action was procedurally flawed, having been initiated by motion on notice rather than originating motion as required by Order 34 Rule 5(1). They described the application as “incompetent, premature, and speculative,” noting the absence of evidence that the university had denied any request or interfered with the records before the suit was filed.
They also maintained that issues relating to student academic records fall outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as defined under Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that internal remedies had not been exhausted and no fundamental rights violation had been established.
The case remains unresolved, with the outcome of settlement discussions expected to determine whether the court will proceed to rule on the substantive issues.