Legal Battle Over Academic Records: Uche Nnaji Case Adjourned to 2027

The Federal High Court in Abuja has pushed the hearing for a lawsuit filed by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to February 15, 2027. The case, which centers on allegations of certificate forgery and access to academic records, involves the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the Minister of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Background of the Litigation

According to reporting by the Daily Post Nigeria, Uche Nnaji initiated the legal action, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, to protect his academic credentials. In his initial ex-parte application, the former minister sought to prevent the university and its officials from altering his records. Furthermore, he requested a writ of mandamus to compel the institution to release his official academic transcript. Nnaji also called upon the Minister of Education and the NUC to utilize their supervisory authority to ensure the university complies with his request for documentation.

Procedural Delays and Court Proceedings

During the most recent session presided over by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, the proceedings were adjourned due to the absence of legal representation for the Minister of Education. Counsel for the former minister, Akintola Makinde, SAN, noted that hearing notices had been served to all parties involved. Meanwhile, Chris Uche, SAN, representing the third to seventh respondents—which include the university, its Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and the Senate—addressed the court regarding outstanding procedural motions. The parties reached an agreement to move the hearing to the 2027 date.

Arguments from the Respondents

The respondents have mounted a robust defense, filing a preliminary objection that seeks to have the suit dismissed entirely. Their arguments against the court’s involvement include:

• Jurisdictional Challenges: The respondents contend that the court lacks the authority under Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution to adjudicate disputes regarding student academic records and transcripts.
• Statutory Limitations: They argue that the lawsuit was filed outside the three-month window mandated by Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules and violates the Public Officers Protection Act of 2004.
• Procedural Errors: The defense claims that Nnaji utilized the incorrect legal instrument, arguing that the case should have been initiated via an originating motion rather than a motion on notice.
• Lack of Cause: The respondents characterize the suit as premature and speculative, asserting there is no evidence that the university has denied Nnaji access to his records or interfered with them.

Additionally, the respondents maintain that the plaintiff failed to exhaust internal administrative remedies before turning to the court and that no fundamental rights violation has been established.

Conclusion

As the case remains pending, the legal dispute highlights the complexities involved in litigation concerning academic records and the jurisdictional boundaries of the Federal High Court. With the next hearing set for February 2027, the court has yet to rule on the substantive issues or the preliminary objections raised by the university and its associated respondents.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Tags: Academic Records · Legal News · news · Nigeria Judiciary · Uche Nnaji · UNN · ViralBrief