By LegalLinkz News Desk
A legal tussle has erupted between Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), over the authenticity and release of his academic credentials.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the case was adjourned following the inability of the university’s legal representatives to file their defence. Counsel to UNN and its officials, Mr. Asogwa, assured the court that he would advise his clients to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit, though he declined to give credibility to the minister’s claims.
The minister, who obtained a BSc degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower Division) from UNN in 1985, accused the university authorities of acting in bad faith by withholding his academic transcript despite a subsisting court order.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a media briefing in Abuja, Nnaji described the university’s actions as “politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image.” He alleged that UNN issued two conflicting reports regarding his certificate to satisfy a state governor intent on removing him from office.
“After UNN officially confirmed my graduation in 1985, the same institution, in May 2025, issued another letter claiming there was no record of my graduation. This inconsistency clearly points to a deliberate attempt to discredit me for political reasons,” Nnaji stated.
He presented evidence, including the 1985 UNN graduation brochure bearing his name — Nnaji Uchenna G — and a letter signed by the university’s Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, affirming his admission in 1981 and graduation in 1985.
When questioned about the difference between the names “Nnaji Uchenna G” and “Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji”, the minister explained that both names refer to the same person, noting that such variations are common in Igbo nomenclature.
Nnaji lamented that despite a valid court injunction compelling the university to release his transcript, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly continued to ignore the order while engaging in what he termed “cyberbullying and media propaganda.”
The case comes amid heightened public concern over certificate integrity among public officeholders. Notably, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies to thoroughly verify the academic credentials of political candidates to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from holding public office.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa has fixed November 10, 2025, for the continuation of hearing in the matter.
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