The Minister of Innovation,Science and technology has released a statement through his spokesman Dr Robert Ngwu stating that the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya refused to adhere to court orders, he resorted to Cyber bullying and Politically motivated media trials.
Premium Times, a Nigerian online news publication has maliciously published an article purporting that the Minister has confessed that he did not receive any degree certificate from the University.
They had relied on a false letter issued by the Vice Chancellor himself which was supposed to be issued by the registrar.
“Let me state clearly and for the record: Chief Uche Nnaji is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), having graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry,
with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.
That fact is not in doubt. It is documented in the University’s own records, acknowledged in its official correspondence, and reflected in its 1985 Convocation Brochure, which remains part of UNN’s permanent archives” Dr Ngwu Stated
“The only authentic letter issued by the University of Nigeria on this matter is the one dated 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum.
That official communication
written in response to People ‘s Gazette
Inquiry (SEE ATTACHMENTB)
confirmed that:
Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.”
That was the official position of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka”
Two years later, in May 2025, a purported letter surfaced allegedly
written by the University
suddenly claiming that there were “no records” of the Minister’s graduation.
The question every Nigerian should ask is simple and logical:
What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the
fact that two card-carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly emerged as Acting Vice Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor of the University?
It is on that same political foundation that Premium Times built its false story.
By academic convention worldwide, the Registrar not the Vice Chancellor
– is the custodian of all examination and graduation records. Any attempt by a Vice Chancellor to assume that role is an aberration in university protocol and, in this case, an obvious political overreach.
The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja, in Suit No:
FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, presided over by Hon. Justice H. J. Yilwa.
On 22 September 2025, the Court granted a series of protective orders,including:
1. An injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of
the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from tampering or continuing to
tamper with the Honourable Minister’s academic records;
2. An order of mandamus compelling the University to release his
academic transcript; and
3. A directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance
through their disciplinary powers.
Finally, we call on the University of Nigeria to uphold its proud motto
To
Restore the Dignity of Man.”
It must reclaim its integrity by distancing itself from political manipulation and reaffirming the authenticity of its own official record.
This is not just about one man’s academic record -it is about protecting truth,preserving institutional honour, and ensuring that no university in Nigeria ever
becomes a pawn in partisan politics.
The truth is simple, the record is clear, and the law is now on the side of justice.
