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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to conduct a credible and impartial investigation into the controversy surrounding the academic records of former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji.
While expressing fears that the issue may be politically motivated, HURIWA further urged that any university official who may be directly or indirectly connected to the dispute should recuse himself from administrative or investigative processes relating to the matter in order to avoid perceptions of bias.
The position of the group was contained in a statement, yesterday, by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko. The statement also called on the Senate of the university to conduct an independent internal review of the allegations raised by the former minister, particularly claims that his academic records might have been accessed or altered without due authorisation.
In addition, the advocacy group further urged the Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria) to ensure that the investigative panel hears from all relevant stakeholders, including individuals who may have knowledge of the historical handling of the academic records in question.
Onwubiko submitted that the integrity of Nigeria’s universities must be protected from any perception of political influence, adding that academic institutions should remain neutral spaces dedicated to scholarship, record of integrity and due process.
He said recent clarifications by Dr. Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to the former minister, has reinforced the need for caution and fairness, particularly in light of what it described as premature narratives suggesting that a Federal Government investigative panel had already confirmed allegations of certificate forgery against Nnaji.
HURIWA noted that Ngwu had explained that the investigative panel referenced in some media reports was not constituted to determine whether the former minister forged a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). According to the aide, the panel was established following a petition submitted by Nnaji to the Federal Ministry of Education over alleged misconduct by certain officials of the university.
The group said the clarification was significant because it demonstrates that claims suggesting the panel had already established certificate forgery were inaccurate, especially since the panel’s official findings have not yet been released by the ministry.
HURIWA also noted that the dispute about Nnaji’s academic records is already before the Federal High Court, where the former minister is seeking an order compelling the UNN to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested since May 2025.
The rights group said proceedings at the February 26 sitting before Justice H. J. Yilwa could not proceed due to procedural issues, including the absence of proof of service in the court file and the need for some respondents’ filings to be properly regularised. According to the statement, the adjournment sought by counsel representing the university leadership was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team from the chambers of Wole Olanipekun and Sebastine Hon, indicating that the matter remains squarely before the court.
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Beyond the legal proceedings, HURIWA said the petition submitted by the former minister to the education ministry contained serious allegations of intimidation, unlawful access to confidential student records and possible tampering with academic documents by certain university officials. The petition also reportedly questioned the disclosure of personal academic data without authorisation, actions that could potentially conflict with provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other public service regulations.
The group further referenced claims that a document allegedly used to justify certain administrative actions within the university was queried by the Public Complaints Commission, which reportedly indicated that the letter attributed to its office was fraudulent and that no complaint had been filed against the former minister.
While acknowledging that the allegations and counter-allegations must ultimately be determined by the court and relevant investigative bodies, HURIWA said the broader political context surrounding the controversy cannot be ignored.
According to the organisation, Nnaji is widely recognised as one of the most prominent grassroots leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State and was among the early pillars of the party’s structure in the state. The group said the former minister had maintained a strong political base and remains an influential figure within the party.
HURIWA stated that the timing and intensity of the allegations have raised questions among political observers about whether the controversy could be linked to evolving political dynamics in Enugu State, particularly as stakeholders begin to look toward the 2027 governorship contest.
The group noted that the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, previously served as Chief of Staff to a former Governor of Enugu State and is widely perceived to belong to the same political camp as the current governor, Peter Mbah.
Although the Vice-Chancellor has reportedly denied allegations suggesting any involvement in wrongdoing, HURIWA said the circumstances have nonetheless created concerns about possible perceptions of conflict of interest.
“In matters involving sensitive academic records and political figures, the credibility of the investigative process must be protected at all costs. Where questions arise about possible conflicts of interest, the appropriate institutional response is transparency and recusal.
“HURIWA believes that both the integrity of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the reputation of individuals involved in the controversy can only be protected through a transparent process guided strictly by facts, evidence and the rule of law,” the group said.
The organisation, therefore, urged the public and the media to avoid drawing premature conclusions, while awaiting the official report of the investigative panel and the final determination of the Federal High Court of Nigeria on the matter.
