By IJEOMA OLORUNFEMI

Dr Robert Ngwu, the Special Adviser to former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji, has clarified reports claiming that a Federal Government panel confirmed certificate forgery against the ex-minister.

Ngwu who made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday, in Abuja, said the investigative panel was not constituted to determine whether Nnaji forged a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He explained that the panel was set up following a petition Nnaji submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education over alleged misconduct by some officials of the university.

Ngwu said that a report in some quarters suggested the panel had confirmed certificate forgery involving the former minister.

“The panel referenced in media reports was never constituted to determine whether Chief Uche Nnaji forged a certificate.

“It was set up following his petition to investigate alleged misconduct by certain university officials.

“It is, therefore, misleading for any publication to suggest that the panel has already established certificate forgery when its official findings have not even been released.

“The matter concerning Chief Nnaji’s academic records is currently before a competent court, and it would be inappropriate for anyone to pre-empt the outcome of both the panel’s report and the judicial process.

“We urge the public to await the official report of the investigative panel and the final determination of the court before drawing conclusions on the matter,” Ngwu said.

He, however, said the official findings of the panel had not yet been released by the ministry.

According to him, Nnaji’s petition accused certain UNN officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, of intimidation and unlawful access to confidential student records.

Ngwu added that the petition also alleged tampering with academic records and disclosure of personal academic data without authorisation.

He said the petition argued that such actions could contravene provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other public service regulations.

“The petition also questioned a document allegedly used to justify the university administration’s actions.

“The Public Complaints Commission confirmed that a letter purportedly issued from its office was fraudulent,” he said.

Ngwu said the commission noted that no complaint had been filed against Nnaji and that the alleged author of the letter was not its staff member.

He also said the dispute over Nnaji’s academic records was currently before the Federal High Court.

Ngwu said Nnaji was seeking an order compelling the university to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested in May 2025.

He said proceedings at the Feb. 26 court sitting before Justice H. J. Yilwa could not continue due to procedural issues.

According to him, the court file lacked proof of service, while some respondents’ filings were not properly regularised.

Ngwu said counsel representing the university leadership sought an adjournment to address the issues.

He said the request was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team from the chambers of Wole Olanipekun and Sebastine Hon.

Ngwu said the central issue remained Nnaji’s request for the release of his academic transcript from UNN.

He added that claims suggesting the panel had already confirmed certificate forgery were premature. (NAN)

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