Academic Records: UNN Sought Out-of-Court Settlement, Not Ex-Minister Nnaji — Aide

Dr. Robert Ngwu, an aide to the immediate-past Minister of Science and Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other respondents in a pending legal dispute over alleged withholding of academic records of Nnaji, initiated the moves for an out-of-court settlement, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.

Ngwu, who is Nnaji’s Special Adviser, made the clarification on Monday while reacting to reports alleging that the former minister sought out-of-court settlement in the matter.

According to Ngwu, proceedings before Justice H. J. Yilwa showed that counsel to the 3rd to 7th respondents, comprising UNN and others, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), admitted in court that he had reached out to the applicant’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to explore the possibility of settlement.

He explained that Nnaji’s lawyer only acknowledged the discussions and requested an adjournment to enable all parties consider the proposal.

“The records are clear. The respondents initiated the process; the applicant merely responded,” Ngwu said.

Meanwhile, the court declined an application by the respondents to regularise processes filed out of time, indicating that such issues would only be entertained if settlement talks fail.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 8, 2026.

Nnaji is seeking a court order compelling UNN to release his academic records, in a case that has continued to attract public interest.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the legal dispute arose after Nnaji approached the Federal High Court seeking an order compelling the UNN to release his academic records, which he claimed had been withheld.

The case, which involves multiple respondents linked to the institution, has drawn widespread attention, with arguments centering on the legality of the university’s refusal to release the documents and the broader implications for transparency and accountability in tertiary institutions.

At earlier proceedings, parties had joined issues over filings and procedural matters, including applications by the respondents to regularise processes filed out of time, which the court indicated would only be considered if ongoing settlement discussions fail.