Breaking: Nnaji Seeks Negotiated End To UNN Certificate Row

The suit was instituted in October 2025 after a report alleged that he forged his degree and NYSC certificates. He resigned from his ministerial position three days after the publication of the report, which also examined documents submitted during his appointment process.

At Monday’s hearing, Nnaji’s lawyer, Ope Muritala, informed the court of a “new development,” stating that parties were exploring a possible settlement outside court and requested an adjournment to allow discussions to continue.

Counsel representing the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission said they were not formally aware of the development but raised no objection to the adjournment request.

Lawyers for UNN and its officials confirmed that settlement talks were ongoing, but urged the court to proceed with a pending motion should negotiations fail.

However, Justice Hauwa Yilwa declined to take any substantive step on the matter, noting that such issues would only be considered if the settlement process breaks down. The case was then adjourned to July 8.

The case has experienced delays due to procedural matters, including issues of service and preliminary objections filed by the defendants, who have also asked the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction and other irregularities.

Meanwhile, a federal government panel set up by Education Minister Tunji Alausa reportedly concluded that Nnaji did not graduate from UNN. The committee said records showed he was admitted in the 1981/82 academic session but was not listed among graduates in 1985.

The panel also stated that he failed a key course and found no evidence that it was retaken or passed later. It further questioned how he obtained a certificate dated July 1985, which was submitted for his ministerial appointment.

The findings have intensified calls for further legal action, even as the court case over his academic records continues.