UNN initiated settlement talks, not Nnaji, says Aide

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other respondents not former Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji initiated moves for an out-of-court settlement in an ongoing legal dispute at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Nnaji’s Special Adviser, Dr. Robert Ngwu, made the clarification while reacting to reports alleging that the former Minister sought settlement.

According to Ngwu, proceedings before Justice H. J. Yilwa showed that counsel to the 3rd–7th respondents being UNN and others, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), admitted in court that he had reached out to the applicant’s (Uche Nnaji's) counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to explore settlement.

He explained that Nnaji's lawyer only acknowledged the discussions and requested an adjournment to allow parties consider the proposal.

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“The records are clear. The respondents initiated the process; the applicant merely responded,” Ngwu said.

The court also refused an application by the respondents to regularise processes filed out of time, indicating that such issues would be considered only if settlement talks collapse.

The case was adjourned to July 8, 2026.

Nnaji is seeking a court order compelling UNN to release his academic records in a case that has attracted public interest.