The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 10, 2025, to hear a suit filed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and several other respondents over the alleged refusal to release his academic transcript.
The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, also lists as respondents the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, the Registrar, a former acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, and the University Senate.
In an ex-parte motion, Nnaji sought a writ of mandamus compelling UNN to release his transcript and requested interim injunctions restraining the university and its officials from altering or tampering with his academic records pending the determination of the case.
Nnaji, who graduated with a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower) in 1985, alleged that the university had unjustifiably withheld his transcript and issued conflicting statements about his records, which he claimed were politically motivated attempts to discredit him.
Through his spokesperson, 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 the controversy surrounding his academic credentials was driven by “political desperation disguised as academic scrutiny.”
“The timing, the sources, the false documents, and the sponsored narratives all point to a coordinated attempt to drag a reputable public servant into partisan mudslinging,” he said.
He added that the case was not only about his personal records but also about protecting the integrity of Nigerian universities.
“This is about safeguarding truth, preserving institutional honour, and ensuring no university becomes a pawn in political battles,” Nnaji stated.
At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the hearing to November 10 after UNN’s legal team failed to file their defence. Counsel to UNN, identified as Asogwa, told the court that although the university did not concede the minister’s claims, it would maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved.
He added that the respondents were still within the legally allowed period to submit their formal responses.
Justice Yilwa had earlier, on September 22, declined to grant Nnaji’s request for interim injunctions, directing instead that all respondents be put on notice to allow them to respond to the allegations.
The court development coincided with remarks by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, who urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to verify the academic certificates of individuals seeking public office.
Obi described certificate forgery as a “serious criminal offence” and warned that the acceptance of fake documents in past elections undermined the integrity of public institutions.
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