By Ambrose Nwachukwu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other respondents over alleged certificate forgery.
The matter was fixed for April 20 to allow lawyers to regularise their processes.
The adjournment followed an oral application by Chiamaka Anagwu, representing UNN and four other respondents, seeking time to prepare their defence.
The application was unopposed by Nnaji’s counsel, Sebastian Hon and N. Oba, who appeared for the National Universities Commission (NUC). Justice Hauwa Yilwa granted the request and directed that a hearing notice be served on the Minister of Education.
Nnaji filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, to prevent UNN and its officials from allegedly “tampering with” his academic records.
He also sought prerogative writs compelling the university to release his transcript and requested the Minister of Education and NUC to exercise supervisory powers to ensure compliance.
He additionally sought an interim injunction restraining UNN and its officials from interfering with his academic records pending the substantive hearing.
The respondents named in the suit include the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Senate of UNN.
In their preliminary objection, the 3rd to 7th respondents challenged the court’s jurisdiction, seeking to strike out the suit and award costs in their favour.
They argued that the motion was filed outside the statutory three-month period and did not comply with Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules or the Public Officers Protection Act 2004.
They contended that matters concerning student academic records, examinations, results, and transcripts fall outside the court’s jurisdiction and should first exhaust internal remedies within the university.
The respondents also argued that no reasonable cause of action was disclosed against officials acting in their official capacity, including the Vice-Chancellor, and that the motion was premature and speculative.
The court will resume hearing on April 20 to consider the substantive arguments in the high-profile case, which has attracted public attention due to allegations of certificate forgery involving a former federal minister.
