The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), its Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, and other officials have filed a preliminary objection to a suit brought against them by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery.

The case, now before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja, stems from accusations leveled against Nnaji prior to his exit from office.

In their objection, the third to seventh defendants—including the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, Ortuanya, the Registrar, a former acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Oguenjiofor Ujam, and the university’s Senate—argued that the suit is statute-barred and procedurally flawed. They claimed the motion ex parte for leave was not filed within the three-month window required by law, citing Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004.

The defendants also challenged the competence of the suit, stating that the substantive motion for prerogative orders was wrongly initiated via a motion on notice instead of an originating motion. They argued that the application was speculative and premature, lacking any prior request or denial of academic records.

Further, they contended that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over academic matters such as transcripts and examination results, which do not fall under the exclusive jurisdiction outlined in Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution. They emphasized that internal remedies had not been exhausted and no breach of fundamental rights had occurred.

At Monday’s hearing, Nnaji’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), informed the court that the preliminary objection was served moments before proceedings began. Although prepared to proceed, Olanipekun noted that opposing counsel Prisca Udoka (SAN) intended to file a counter-affidavit the following day.

Justice Yilwa adjourned the case to January 13, 2026, for hearing and ordered that notices be issued to absent parties, including the Minister of Education and the NUC.

The case continues to draw attention to the quality of verification done on political appointees and the choices of their principals in a society where integrity wanes.