Uche Nnaji Seeks Out-of-Court Settlement in Certificate Forgery Suit Against UNN

Uche Nnaji has sought out-of-court settlement in certificate forgery suit against UNN.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has moved to settle out of court a lawsuit he filed against the University of Nigeria Nsukka and other parties over his academic records.

 

The suit, filed in October 2025, followed an investigation that alleged Nnaji forged his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, claims that led to his resignation from office shortly after the report emerged.

 

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At the latest court proceedings, Nnaji’s counsel, Ope Muritala, informed the court of ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the matter outside litigation and requested an adjournment to allow negotiations to continue.

 

Legal representatives of the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission said they were not aware of the development but did not oppose the request. Counsel to UNN confirmed that settlement talks were ongoing but urged the court to consider pending motions if negotiations fail.

 

Presiding judge, Hauwa Yilwa, declined to entertain the applications at this stage, stating they would only be considered if settlement efforts collapse. The case was subsequently adjourned to July 8.

 

The legal battle has yet to proceed to full hearing due to procedural issues, including service of court processes and preliminary objections. Defendants had earlier asked the court to strike out the suit, citing jurisdictional concerns and irregularities.

 

Meanwhile, a federal government panel set up by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, reportedly found that Nnaji did not graduate from UNN despite being admitted in the 1981/82 academic session.

 

According to the panel, there was no record of him completing a required course or graduating in 1985, raising questions about the authenticity of the certificate he presented for ministerial appointment.

 

The findings have intensified calls for further legal action over alleged certificate forgery, even as efforts to resolve the dispute continue.