A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and key defendants, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have opted to pursue an out-of-court settlement in a legal dispute stemming from allegations of certificate forgery.
The matter, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was adjourned after counsel to Nnaji informed the court of ongoing settlement discussions.
Nnaji had approached the court seeking to restrain UNN from releasing his academic records amid claims that he forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates—allegations that reportedly led to his resignation from office in 2025.
At the resumed proceedings, Nnaji’s counsel, Ope Muritala, disclosed that although the case was slated for the hearing of pending applications, parties were now exploring an amicable resolution. He subsequently requested an adjournment to allow negotiations to continue.
Counsel representing the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) said they were unaware of the development prior to the court session but did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Similarly, counsel to UNN and its officials confirmed that senior counsel had indicated a willingness to explore settlement. While not opposing the move, the defence urged the court to consider their pending application for regularisation should negotiations fail.
Justice Yilwa declined to entertain the application at this stage, stating it would only be considered if settlement talks collapse. She subsequently adjourned the matter until July 8 for a report on the outcome of the discussions.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, Nnaji had sought multiple reliefs, including an order compelling UNN to release his academic transcript and restraining the institution from tampering with his academic records pending the determination of the case.
He also requested the court to direct the Minister of Education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory authority to ensure compliance by the university.
However, in a preliminary objection, UNN and its officials challenged the competence of the suit, arguing that it was filed outside the statutory time limit and contrary to procedural rules governing such applications.
They further contended that the court lacked jurisdiction over matters relating to academic records, examinations, and transcripts, insisting that the case disclosed no reasonable cause of action and that internal dispute resolution mechanisms had not been exhausted.
