Robert Ngwu, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has alleged that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is manipulating and tampering with the minister’s academic records amid a pending certificate forgery case.
Ngwu made the claims during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, where he accused the institution of politicising the situation and withholding Nnaji’s transcript despite a formal request.
“The minister never asked the university to conceal his records. He asked that they not be tampered with or manipulated,” Ngwu explained.
“We have it on good authority that there were attempts to alter certain documents, and personal files were even leaked online.”
According to Ngwu, the minister had applied for his academic transcript in May 2025, paid the necessary fees, but UNN has refused to release the document.
He alleged that the refusal, along with the leak of sensitive student file contents, suggests a coordinated political effort to discredit Nnaji.
Ngwu further claimed that politics within the university system may be influencing the situation.
He pointed fingers at the institution’s leadership, alleging that the Acting Vice-Chancellor is a known member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“In Enugu, PDP has held power for over two decades by suppressing competition,” he claimed.
“This situation with the minister is no different, an attempt to damage his credibility ahead of any future political contest.”
He added that the minister was left with no option but to seek the intervention of the Federal High Court to protect his records and compel the university to release his transcript.
Minister Nnaji is currently battling certificate forgery allegations dating back to 2023, shortly after his political appointment.
The controversy centres on claims that his academic credentials may not be genuine.
Appearing before Justice Hauwa Yilwa at the Federal High Court on Monday, Nnaji insisted he earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry (Second Class Lower) from UNN in 1985 and that the university has no justification for withholding his transcript and academic proof.
Ngwu reiterated that the minister’s legal action is solely to protect his integrity and access the academic records rightfully his.
