Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and the defendants in his suit, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have opted to pursue an out-of-court settlement in their ongoing legal dispute.
The case, before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja, centres on Nnaji’s request to stop the university from releasing his academic records following allegations of certificate forgery.
The former minister was accused, via a media report, of forging his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates—allegations that led to his resignation from office in 2025.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Nnaji’s counsel, Ope Muritala, informed the court that although the matter was scheduled for hearing of pending applications, parties were now exploring an amicable resolution. He consequently sought an adjournment to allow settlement talks to proceed.
Counsel to the Minister of Education, P. C. Ike, and that of the National Universities Commission (NUC), N. H. Obah, said they were unaware of the development but did not oppose the application.
Representing UNN and its officials, Chidubem Ugwueze said lead counsel Chris Uche, SAN, had communicated the settlement plan. While not opposing the move, he urged the court to consider their pending motion for regularisation if negotiations fail.
Justice Yilwa declined to entertain the motion at this stage, stating it would only be considered if settlement efforts break down. She subsequently adjourned the matter until July 8 for a report on settlement.
Nnaji, in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, had sought court orders to prevent UNN and its officials from tampering with his academic records and to compel the release of his academic transcript.
He also asked the Minister of Education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory authority over the university in the matter.
However, the 3rd to 7th defendants filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the competence of the suit. They argued that the application was filed outside the statutory three-month period and was contrary to provisions of the Public Officers Protection Act and the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.
The defendants further contended that issues relating to student academic records fall outside the court’s jurisdiction and that no reasonable cause of action had been established against them.
The court is expected to receive an update on the settlement discussions at the next adjourned date.
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