Clarification on the Investigative Panel and Uche Nnaji’s Academic Records
Dr. Robert Ngwu, the Special Adviser to former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Uche Nnaji, has issued a statement clarifying recent reports that claimed a Federal Government panel confirmed certificate forgery involving the ex-minister.
In his statement released on Friday in Abuja, Ngwu emphasized that the investigative panel was not established to determine whether Nnaji forged a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Instead, the panel was formed following a petition submitted by Nnaji to the Federal Ministry of Education regarding alleged misconduct by certain university officials.
Ngwu pointed out that some media outlets have incorrectly suggested that the panel had already confirmed the forgery of Nnaji’s certificate. He stressed that this is misleading, as the official findings of the panel have not yet been released. “The panel referenced in media reports was never constituted to determine whether Chief Uche Nnaji forged a certificate. It was set up following his petition to investigate alleged misconduct by certain university officials,” he said.
He further noted that the matter concerning Nnaji’s academic records is currently under judicial review, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to pre-empt the outcome of both the panel’s report and the court proceedings. “We urge the public to await the official report of the investigative panel and the final determination of the court before drawing conclusions on the matter,” Ngwu added.
Details of the Petition and Allegations
According to Ngwu, Nnaji’s petition accused several UNN officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, of intimidation and unlawful access to confidential student records. The petition also alleged tampering with academic records and unauthorized disclosure of personal academic data. These actions, according to the petition, could potentially violate provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other public service regulations.
Ngwu highlighted that the petition also questioned a document allegedly used to justify the university administration’s actions. He stated that the Public Complaints Commission confirmed that a letter purportedly issued from its office was fraudulent. “The commission noted that no complaint had been filed against Nnaji, and the alleged author of the letter was not its staff member,” he explained.
Legal Proceedings and Court Issues
Ngwu mentioned that the dispute over Nnaji’s academic records is currently before the Federal High Court. Nnaji has been seeking an order compelling the university to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested since May 2025. However, proceedings at the February 26 court sitting before Justice H. J. Yilwa could not continue due to procedural issues.
According to Ngwu, the court file lacked proof of service, while some respondents’ filings were not properly regularized. Counsel representing the university leadership sought an adjournment to address these issues, and the request was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team from the chambers of Wole Olanipekun and Sebastine Hon.
Final Remarks and Next Steps
Ngwu reiterated that the central issue remains Nnaji’s request for the release of his academic transcript from UNN. He also emphasized that claims suggesting the panel had already confirmed certificate forgery are premature. “The official findings of the panel have not yet been released by the ministry,” he concluded.
