A hearing in a lawsuit filed by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji against the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN), and others was postponed on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case was originally scheduled to be heard by Justice Hauwa Yilwa but was adjourned to allow legal representatives to complete their preparations.

Legal Proceedings and Court Orders

The adjournment came after an oral application by Chiamaka Anagwu, representing UNN and four other defendants. The court granted the request without opposition from Nnaji’s legal team, led by Sebastian Hon, SAN, and N.H. Oba, who represent the National Universities Commission (NUC). Justice Yilwa also ordered that a hearing notice be served on the Education Minister, who was not present in court.

Nnaji initiated the lawsuit after allegations of certificate forgery were made against him. In an ex-parte motion, he sought an order to prevent UNN and its officials from tampering with his academic records. He also requested the release of his academic transcript and the intervention of the Education Minister and NUC to compel the university to comply.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, names the Minister of Education, the NUC, UNN, and others as respondents. Nnaji is seeking a prerogative writ of mandamus to compel the university to release his academic transcript and an interim injunction to prevent any tampering with his records.

Defendants’ Arguments and Legal Challenges

The defendants, including UNN and its officials, raised preliminary objections, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction to handle the matter. They claimed that the ex-parte motion was filed beyond the three-month deadline specified in the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, Order 34 Rule 4(1).

The defendants also contended that the case violates Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004, rendering the proceedings incompetent. They further argued that the motion for prerogative orders was improperly filed as a motion on notice instead of an originating motion, as required by the court rules.

In their nine-point argument, the defendants stated that the court has no authority over matters involving academic records, examinations, and transcripts. They claimed that the issue does not fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as outlined in Section 251(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The defendants also argued that internal remedies have not been exhausted and that no fundamental rights of Nnaji have been breached. They added that no reasonable cause of action has been established against them, particularly against Prof. Ortuanya, who acted in his official capacity as the Vice Chancellor of UNN.

Implications and What’s Next

The adjournment until April 20 allows both parties to prepare for the next stage of the legal battle. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how academic records and institutional authority are handled in Nigerian higher education.

Legal experts suggest that the case could have broader implications for the governance of universities and the rights of individuals to access their academic records. The court’s decision on the jurisdictional issues will be critical in determining the next steps.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the case highlights the intersection of administrative law and higher education governance in Nigeria. The legal arguments raised by both sides reflect the complexities of balancing institutional autonomy with individual rights.

As the case moves forward, the involvement of the Education Minister and the NUC adds another layer of complexity. Their potential role in mediating the dispute could influence the direction of the proceedings.