Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has clarified that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and other respondents initiated moves for an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing legal dispute over his academic records.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday by the former minister’s aide, Robert Ngwu, it was stated that court proceedings before Justice H. J. Yilwa showed that counsel for the third to seventh respondents, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), approached the applicant’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to explore the possibility of settlement.

According to the statement, Nnaji did not initiate the settlement process.

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

He explained that Nnaji’s legal team only acknowledged the discussion and requested an adjournment to allow both sides to consider the proposal.

The statement also noted that the court declined an application by the respondents seeking to regularise processes filed outside prescribed timelines, stating that such issues would only be addressed if settlement talks fail.

Justice Y. H. Yilwa subsequently adjourned the matter to July 8, 2026.

The case stems from a suit filed by Nnaji seeking an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to release his academic records amid controversy over the authenticity of his qualifications.

Nnaji, who served as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology from August 2023 until his resignation in October 2025, stepped down following allegations surrounding his academic and NYSC certificates.

The allegations included claims that discrepancies existed in documents submitted during his ministerial screening, prompting public debate and institutional scrutiny.

UNN had reportedly stated in response to a Freedom of Information request that it had no record confirming Nnaji’s graduation or issuance of the certificate in question.

Nnaji has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he graduated from the institution and describing the allegations as politically motivated.