Politics

Court Dismisses Tinubu Minister’s Attempt to Block Release of Academic Records

An Abuja Federal High Court has dismissed an attempt by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records.

The minister had filed an application seeking an interim injunction to restrain UNN, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Minister of Education, and key university officials, including the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Senate, from responding to requests for his academic documents.

In court papers, Nnaji sought several orders, including the prerogative writs of prohibition and mandamus, to compel the release of his academic transcript and prevent what he described as “tampering” with his records.

However, Justice Hausa Yilwa rejected the application, ruling that while the minister had shown interest in the matter, the reliefs requested were not justified. “Prayer 4 is declined. Having been refused, the granting of reliefs 1-3 shall not serve as injunctive reliefs against any of the parties,” the judge held.

UNN has previously disowned the minister’s certificate. In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and addressed to Premium Times, Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that records show Nnaji did not complete his studies at the institution.

“We can confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, matriculation number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981. However, from all available records, he did not graduate in July 1985. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka did not, and could not have, issued the purported certificate,” Ortuanya wrote.

The disclosure follows an earlier letter from UNN to the Public Complaints Commission on May 13, 2025, affirming the same position.

The court’s decision has reignited discussions on the verification of academic credentials for public officials, amid growing scrutiny over qualifications in government appointments.

Olayinka Babatunde