By Ayo Ayodele
Parties involved in the dispute over the academic certificates of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, have agreed to explore an amicable settlement in the ongoing case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji had instituted the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, seeking among other reliefs, an order restraining the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from releasing his academic records following allegations of certificate forgery.
The former minister was accused of forging his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, an allegation that reportedly led to his exit from the federal cabinet.
The defendants in the suit include the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the university registrar, a former acting vice chancellor, Oguejaofo Ujam, and the university senate.
At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Ope Muritala, informed the court that the matter was slated for hearing of pending applications but noted that parties were now considering an out-of-court settlement.
Muritala therefore requested an adjournment to allow time for the settlement talks to progress.
Counsel to the Minister of Education, P.C. Ike, and counsel to the NUC, N.H. Obah, said they were not formally informed of the development but did not oppose the adjournment.
Counsel to UNN and its officials, Chidubem Ugwueze, said lead counsel Chris Uche (SAN) had briefed them on the settlement initiative.
He added that while the defendants were not opposed to reconciliation, they urged the court to still hear their pending motion for regularisation in case the talks collapse.
However, Justice Yilwa declined the request and ruled that the motion would be considered only if settlement efforts fail.
The case was subsequently adjourned to July 8 for a report on settlement progress.