Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, is considering an out-of-court settlement in the legal battle he instituted against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) over alleged moves to tamper with his academic records.
Nnaji, who resigned from office last year amid controversy surrounding his degree certificate, had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the university from altering his academic records.
The suit, which centres on his degree certificate, lists the Minister of Education as the first defendant, the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the second defendant, and UNN as the third defendant.
Other defendants include the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya; the Registrar; former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam; and the Senate of the university.
At Monday’s court proceedings, counsel to Nnaji, Ope Muritala, informed the court that although the matter was fixed for hearing, there had been a fresh development as parties were exploring a possible out-of-court resolution.
He told the court that “there is a new development as parties were exploring an out-of-court settlement,” and requested an adjournment to allow discussions to continue.
Counsel representing the Minister of Education and the NUC, P. C. Ike and N. H. Obah, said they were unaware of the development until they arrived in court.
They stated that they only heard about it “this morning in court,” but did not oppose the request for settlement talks.
Lawyer to UNN and its officials, Chidubem Ugwueze, also confirmed that senior advocate Chris Uche, who is leading the defence, had informed him about the discussions.
According to him, the information was relayed through Nnaji’s lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun.
While expressing no objection to the settlement move, Ugwueze urged the court to hear the defence’s motion for regularisation in case the talks collapse.
However, Justice Hauwa Yilwa declined to entertain the application immediately, stating that the motion would only be considered if the settlement discussions fail.
Following the agreement of all parties, the court adjourned the matter until July 8, 2026.
Report by Premium Times said it remains unclear what specific issues are left unresolved in the suit and what the proposed settlement discussions will focus on.
