The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has appealed to the authorities of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to release his academic transcript, accusing the institution of “playing politics” with his records.
Nnaji, who claimed to have graduated in 1985 with a BSc in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower), said the university had no justification to continue withholding his transcript.
His plea came as the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed November 10 to hear his suit against UNN. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to verify all certificates submitted by public office seekers.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Robert Ngwu, at a press briefing in Abuja, Nnaji denied allegations of certificate forgery, accusing the university of attempting to tarnish his image for political reasons.
He said the institution had issued “two conflicting letters” about his academic status — one in 2023 confirming his graduation and another in May 2025 claiming there was no record of it.
“It is increasingly clear that this entire episode is not about education or integrity; it is about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” Nnaji said.
“The University of Nigeria Nsukka must uphold its proud motto of restoring the dignity of man. It must regain its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.”
Nnaji also presented documents including the 1985 graduation brochure, which listed his name as Nnaji Uchenna G., and a letter from the university’s registrar confirming his admission and graduation dates.
He argued that the difference between Uchenna G. and Geoffrey Uchechukwu was immaterial, saying both names conveyed the same meaning in Igbo.
The minister alleged that despite a court injunction compelling UNN to release his transcript, the vice-chancellor had refused to comply.
In the ongoing suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), Nnaji is asking the court to compel UNN, the Minister of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to release his academic records and to restrain the university from tampering with them.
During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the hearing to November 10 after counsel to UNN sought more time to file responses.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi reiterated that certificate forgery among public officials undermines Nigeria’s moral fabric.
“Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world,” Obi said in a post on X. “How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest when those they are supposed to emulate are criminals and dishonest?”