Certificate Forgery: Court Rejects Minister’s Bid to Block UNN from Releasing His Academic Records
- A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected Minister Uche Nnaji’s bid to block the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Justice Hausa Yilwa ruled that while Nnaji had a legitimate interest, his request for an injunction could not be granted
- UNN later confirmed that it did not issue Nnaji a certificate, stating he did not complete his studies
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against Uche Nnaji. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology had asked the court to stop the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from releasing his academic records. He filed an ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.
The motion also sought to compel UNN to release his academic transcript.
Source: UGC
Justice Hausa Yilwa delivered the ruling on 22 September. The judge reviewed affidavits and written submissions from Nnaji’s legal team. He found that the application was only partly valid.
“I find that the applicant has sufficient interest in the matter, and the application is partly meritorious. Accordingly, prayers 1, 2 and 3 are granted, while prayer 4, which sought an injunction, is declined,” the judge stated.
Justice Yilwa clarified that the approved reliefs did not block lawful actions.
UNN later responded to a media inquiry. In a letter dated 2 October 2025, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya addressed the issue. He said the university had no record confirming Nnaji’s graduation.
“From our records, we cannot confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985.” the letter read.
The university said it did not issue any certificate to Nnaji. It stated that he did not complete his studies. UNN said this matched a previous letter sent to the Public Complaints Commission in May 2025.
In court documents, Nnaji admitted he had not collected his certificate. He said the university had confirmed his graduation in a letter.
Nnaji sued seven parties in the case. These included the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission. UNN, its Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Senate were also named. Former Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam was listed as well.
The case has raised concerns about academic transparency. It also questions the integrity of credentials submitted for public office. The matter remains under public scrutiny.
Source: UGC
Uche Nnaji is Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, appointed in 2023. He was recently on the spotlight over his academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Nnaji claimed he graduated in 1985 but had not collected his certificate.
University of Nigeria
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), established in 1960, is Nigeria’s first indigenous university. Located in Enugu State, it was founded by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe with a vision to promote academic excellence and national development.
UNN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties. It is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and leadership training.
The university has produced many notable alumni in politics, science, and the arts. UNN operates campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla. It remains one of Nigeria’s most respected institutions for higher learning and academic integrity.
Tinubu's minister allegedly forged his UNN certificate
Legit.ng earlier reported that Uche Nnaji, the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, has been accused of forging the Bachelor of Science degree certificate he claimed he obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which he presented to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.
This is as the university claimed that the high-ranking minister did not complete his studies at the institution and that he was never offered any certificate.
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Source: Legit.ng
