Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has taken on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), accusing the institution of withholding his academic transcript for political reasons.
Nnaji, who is battling allegations of certificate forgery, maintained that he earned a BSc in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower) in 1985 and accused the university of “playing politics with education.”
Through his spokesman, Dr. Robert Ngwu, the minister said UNN issued “two conflicting reports” about his certificate “to please a governor who wanted him out of office.”
At a press briefing in Abuja, he displayed the university’s 1985 graduation brochure showing his name as Nnaji Uchenna G, and a letter from the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Celine Ngozi Nnebedum, confirming his admission in 1981 and graduation in 1985.
When questioned about the variation between Nnaji Uchenna G and Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, he said it was insignificant, noting that “many Igbo names mean the same thing.”
The minister expressed shock that after UNN confirmed his graduation in 2023, the same institution issued another letter in May 2025 denying the record, accusing the Vice-Chancellor of “being economical with the truth.”
He said he was compelled to approach the court after learning of alleged attempts to tamper with his academic records.
Nnaji lamented that despite a court order, the university still refused to release his transcript, adding that its management had resorted to “cyberbullying and politically motivated media trials.”
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity, it is about political desperation, disguised as academic inquiry,” he said.
He urged UNN to “restore the dignity of man” by distancing itself from political interference and reaffirming the authenticity of its official records.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 10 for the hearing of Nnaji’s suit against UNN and other parties.
In the motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, Nnaji seeks an order compelling the university to release his transcript and restraining it from tampering with his records.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the matter after UNN’s counsel failed to file a response, with the judge earlier refusing an ex-parte injunction but ordering the respondents to be put on notice.
Reacting to the growing controversy over forged certificates, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged INEC and relevant agencies to verify all credentials submitted by political aspirants.
He said, “Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.”
Obi decried the growing number of public officials parading fake certificates, saying such acts erode public trust and worsen Nigeria’s moral decay.
