Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Fresh twists have emerged in the certificate forgery case involving former Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as parties in the suit have opened talks to resolve the dispute out of court.
The move, disclosed on Monday before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has effectively stalled further proceedings as both sides explore an amicable settlement.
Nnaji, who dragged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other defendants to court in October 2025, is seeking to halt what he described as interference with his academic records and to compel the release of his transcript.
The case followed a Premium Times investigation which alleged that the former minister forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates—claims that sparked national outrage and forced his resignation to avoid distracting the administration.
At Monday’s proceedings, Nnaji’s counsel, Ope Muritala, informed the court of a “new development,” revealing that parties were already in settlement discussions and requested an adjournment to allow negotiations to continue.
Lawyers representing the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) said they were unaware of the talks prior to the sitting but did not oppose the request.
However, counsel to UNN and its principal officers, Chidubem Ugwueze, confirmed prior knowledge of the move, noting that the development was conveyed by Senior Advocates leading both sides—Chris Uche for the defence and Wole Olanipekun for Nnaji.
While backing the settlement effort, Ugwueze urged the court to proceed with pending applications in case the talks collapse.
But Justice Yilwa declined, ruling that such applications would only be considered if negotiations fail.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to July 8, 2026, for a report on settlement or continuation of hearing.
The suit, which has suffered multiple procedural delays, also faces a strong challenge from the defendants, who argue it is statute-barred and that the court lacks jurisdiction, citing provisions of the Federal High Court Rules and the Public Officers Protection Act.
With settlement talks now in motion, attention shifts to whether both sides can strike a deal—or return to court for a prolonged legal battle.
