Abuja: Dr Robert Ngwu, the Special Adviser to the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji, has addressed reports alleging that a Federal Government panel confirmed certificate forgery against the ex-minister. Ngwu clarified in a statement that the investigative panel was not formed to determine whether Nnaji forged a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the panel was established following a petition Nnaji submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education regarding alleged misconduct by some university officials. Ngwu noted that some media reports incorrectly suggested that the panel confirmed certificate forgery involving the former minister.
Ngwu emphasized that the panel’s purpose was to investigate alleged misconduct by certain university officials, not to determine the authenticity of Nnaji’s certificate. He stated that it is misleading for any publication to claim that the panel has confirmed certificate forgery, especially when its findings have not been released.
The matter of Nnaji’s academic records is currently before a competent court. Ngwu urged the public to wait for the official report of the investigative panel and the court’s final decision before making any conclusions. He mentioned that the panel’s official findings have not yet been released by the ministry.
Ngwu explained that Nnaji’s petition accused some UNN officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, of intimidation and unauthorized access to confidential student records. The petition also alleged tampering with academic records and unauthorized disclosure of personal academic data, which could violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act and public service regulations.
The petition further questioned a document allegedly used to justify the university administration’s actions, which was purportedly confirmed by the Public Complaints Commission as fraudulent. Ngwu stated that no complaint had been filed against Nnaji and the alleged author of the letter was not a staff member of the commission.
Ngwu informed that the dispute over Nnaji’s academic records is currently before the Federal High Court, where Nnaji is seeking an order for the university to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested since May 2025. Court proceedings on February 26 were halted due to procedural issues, with the court file lacking proof of service and irregular filings by some respondents.
Counsel for the university leadership sought an adjournment to resolve these issues, a request that was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team. Ngwu reiterated that the central issue remains Nnaji’s request for the release of his academic transcript from UNN.