Alleged certificate forgery: Ex-minister Nnaji, UNN, others agree to amicable settlement
Parties in the dispute that arose from the academic certificate of a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, have agreed to an amicable settlement. Nnaji had filed
Parties in the dispute that arose from the academic certificate of a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, have agreed to an amicable settlement.
Nnaji had filed the suit in which he prayed the court to, among others, stop the university from releasing his academic records following allegations of certificate forgery.
The ex-minister was alleged to have forged his degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, an allegation that led to his exit from the government.
Listed as defendants in the suit are: the Minister of Education, the National University Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, former acting VC, Oguejaofo Ujam, and the Senate of the university.
At the mention of the case yesterday, plaintiff’s Ope Muritala, told the court that the case was scheduled for a hearing of all pending applications.
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Muritala announced that there was “a new development as parties were exploring an out-of-court settlement”.
He applied for an adjournment to enable the parties to explore the peaceful resolution of the case.
Lawyers to the Minister of Education, P. C. Ike, and his counterpart with the National Universities Commission (NUC), N. H. Obah, told the court they were unaware of the development.
The parties said they were only hearing about this in court, but did not oppose Muritala’s application.
Chidubem Ugwueze, who represented UNN and its officials, said the lead lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), had informed him of the settlement plan.
The lawyer said the defendants were not opposed to the reconciliatory move but urged the court to “hear their motion for regularisation” in case the talks failed.
Justice Yilwa rejected his request, saying the motion would be considered if the settlement efforts failed.
The judge adjourned the matter until July 8 for the report of settlement.
