Federal High Court Rejects Minister Uche Nnaji's Request to Block Release of Academic Records by UNN

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, seeking to restrain the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from releasing his academic records. Justice Hausa Yilwa ruled on September 22, 2025, that while Nnaji had sufficient interest in the matter, his request for an injunction could not be granted.

Nnaji had filed an ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, asking the court to restrain UNN from releasing or tampering with his academic records. He also sought an order compelling the university and its officials to release his academic transcript. However, the court granted prayers 1, 2, and 3 of Nnaji's application but declined prayer 4, which sought an injunction.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has maintained that Nnaji did not complete his studies and therefore did not receive a certificate. In a letter dated October 2, 2025, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that the university had no record of Nnaji's graduation. This position is consistent with an earlier letter sent to the Public Complaints Commission in May 2025.

The case has sparked concerns about academic transparency and the integrity of credentials submitted for public office. Some civil society organizations have called on Nnaji to resign and apologize to the nation, citing the gravity of the allegations. The case is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled.