UNN, not ex-minister Nnaji, initiated settlement talks in certificate dispute — Aide
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and other respondents initiated moves for an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing legal dispute over his academic records.
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and other respondents initiated moves for an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing legal dispute over his academic records.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online by the minister’s aide, Robert Ngwu, on Tuesday.
Ngwu clarified the court proceedings before Justice H. J. Yilwa showed that counsel for the third to seventh respondents, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that he had reached out to the applicant’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to explore the possibility of settlement.
“Fresh facts have emerged at the Federal High Court in Abuja indicating that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and other respondents, not Uche Nnaji, initiated moves for an out-of-court settlement in an ongoing legal dispute,” the statement read.
He said Nnaji’s legal team only acknowledged the discussion and requested an adjournment to allow parties to consider the proposal.
“The records are clear. The respondents initiated the process; the applicant merely responded,” Ngwu said.
He added that contrary to reports suggesting that the former minister initiated settlement moves, the court record showed otherwise.
Meanwhile, the court refused an application by the respondents seeking to regularise processes filed outside the prescribed timelines, noting that such issues would only be considered if settlement talks collapse.
Nnaji said Justice Y. H. Yilwa subsequently adjourned the matter to July 8, 2026.
Recall the suit was filed by Uche Nnaji, who is asking the court for an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to release his academic records, amid a prolonged controversy over the authenticity of his qualifications.
Nnaji served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology from August 16, 2023, until October 2025, when he resigned following allegations surrounding his academic and National Youth Service Corps certificates.
The controversy escalated after investigative reports alleged discrepancies in documents he submitted during his ministerial screening by the Senate, including claims that his degree and NYSC certificates were questionable. The allegations triggered public debate, institutional scrutiny, and legal actions.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka had, in response to a Freedom of Information request, reportedly stated that it had no record confirming that Nnaji graduated or that it issued the certificate in question.
The development further deepened public interest in the matter.
Nnaji has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting that he graduated from the institution and that the allegations are politically motivated, maintaining that he is seeking the release of his academic transcript to clear his name.
