A hearing in a suit filed by the minister of innovation, science and technology Uche Nnaji against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other parties was stalled on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, which centers on allegations over Mr Nnaji’s university certificate, could not proceed before Justice Hauwa Yilwa because the lawyers for UNN and its officials failed to file their responses.
The judge adjourned the matter until November 10 for hearing.
Nnaji filed the suit under file number FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, naming as respondents the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN and its vice chancellor, the registrar of UNN, a former acting vice chancellor and the university senate.
He sought orders to prevent the university and its officials from tampering with his academic records and to compel UNN to release his transcript, among other reliefs.
In a prior ruling on September 22, the court granted three of his requests but declined to issue further injunctive orders and adjourned the matter to October 6.
On Monday, Nnaji was represented by Sebastine Hon, while E.M. Asogwa appeared for respondents 3 to 7.
No lawyer appeared on behalf of the Minister of Education or the NUC.
Nr Hon told the court that though the respondents were served, the 4th respondent (the Vice-Chancellor) published a letter to PREMIUM TIMES claiming Nnaji was not a UNN graduate.
He said this publication came days after service, and that a damaging article followed.
He argued that the respondents violated the court’s leave by taking further action.
Mr Asogwa responded that his clients would be advised to maintain the status quo pending hearing and that they still had time to file their responses.
