Robert Ngwu, spokesperson for the Minister of Science and Technology, Uchenna Nnaji, has accused the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) of tampering with and manipulating the Minister’s academic records.
The allegation comes as Nnaji faces a certificate forgery case stemming from his 2023 political appointment. During a court hearing on Monday before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, the Minister claimed that UNN has been withholding his academic transcript, which he formally requested in May 2025.
Nnaji maintains that he earned a BSc in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower Division) from the university in 1985, and insists that the institution has no right to withhold his academic credentials.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ngwu alleged that the university was “playing politics” with the Minister’s records.
“He didn’t say the school should avoid touching his records, he said they should stop tampering and manipulating them,” Ngwu stated. “We saw sensitive documents from his personal student file leaked online. That points to deliberate sabotage.”
Ngwu further alleged that the current Acting Vice Chancellor of UNN is a “card-carrying member of the PDP” and accused the university leadership of being politically motivated.
“The Minister sought protection from the court because of the growing political interference in his academic file. The VC and some actors at the school have political leanings that are influencing their actions.”
Ngwu claimed that the PDP’s dominance in Enugu State politics plays a role in the situation.
“In Enugu, the PDP has ruled for 26 years and does everything to crush opposition. They discredit challengers to ensure they don’t have a political platform to contest under.”
He said Nnaji’s court application requested an injunction to stop the university from tampering with his academic records, an order compelling the release of his transcript, and a directive for the appropriate supervisory authorities to investigate the university’s handling of the matter.
According to Ngwu, all three requests were granted by the court during Monday’s hearing.
“The Minister paid for his transcript in May, and months later, it still hasn’t been released. His file has allegedly been locked in the VC’s office for over six months.”
The university is yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of this report.
