Abuja: Dr Robert Ngwu, an aide to Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has stated that the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) initiated out-of-court settlement moves in an ongoing academic records dispute.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ngwu made this statement while responding to reports suggesting that Nnaji or his legal team sought settlement during Monday’s court proceedings. He clarified that court proceedings before Justice Hauwa Yilwa demonstrated that it was UNN and other respondents who initiated the settlement move, not Nnaji or his counsel.
Ngwu further explained that the respondents’ counsel, led by Chris Uche, approached Nnaji’s legal team, headed by Wole Olanipekun, to explore possibilities for an amicable resolution. Nnaji’s team acknowledged this approach and requested an adjournment to consider the proposal.
Ngwu emphasized that at no point did Nnaji initiate the settlement talks, noting that the court records clearly support this position. He also mentioned that the court declined the respondents’ application to regularize processes filed out of time, pending the outcome of the settlement discussions.
The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing. In the legal suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, Nnaji has sued the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, and other officials as respondents. He is seeking a prerogative writ of mandamus to compel the university and its officials to release his academic transcript.
Additionally, Nnaji has requested the Minister of Education and NUC to use their supervisory powers to ensure compliance from UNN. He is also seeking an interim injunction to prevent UNN and its officials from tampering with his academic records while the substantive suit is pending.
The respondents, from the 3rd to the 7th, have filed a preliminary objection, asking the court to dismiss the suit on grounds of lack of jurisdiction.