The Federal High Court in Abuja will hear the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s (UNN) preliminary objection on February 26 in a case brought by former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa adjourned the matter to ensure the 3rd to 7th respondents, represented by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, could serve the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), who are the first and second defendants.
Nnaji had filed the suit seeking prerogative writs to prevent UNN and its officials from interfering with his academic records and to compel the release of his transcript. The suit also includes UNN officials and the university’s Senate as respondents.
The university and its co-defendants argued that the case is statute-barred, filed incorrectly, and beyond the court’s jurisdiction, citing provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Public Officers Protection Act 2004. They further contended that Nnaji had not exhausted internal remedies and that no fundamental rights had been violated.
The court directed that the Minister of Education and NUC be served, with proceedings to continue on February 26.
