Respondents Seek Out-of-Court Settlement in Nnaji Suit as Procedural Delays Persist

Proceedings resumed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, in the ongoing suit filed by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Other respondents in the matter include the Vice Chancellor and the former acting Vice Chancellor, with fresh revelations that the push for an out-of-court settlement originated from […]

Proceedings resumed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, in the ongoing suit filed by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Other respondents in the matter include the Vice Chancellor and the former acting Vice Chancellor, with fresh revelations that the push for an out-of-court settlement originated from the respondents’ legal team.

Dr. Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, former Minister of Science and Technology, in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said that it was the University of Nigeria Nsukka that are calling for an out of court settlement through their lawyers.

He said that the matter, presided over by Honourable Justice H. J. Yilwa, came up following an earlier adjournment on February 26, 2026, and focused on both procedural developments and the status of settlement discussions between the parties.

*Appearances and Representation*

According to Ngwu, “At the hearing, the Applicant, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, was represented by Opeyemi Muritala, Esq., leading a legal team from the chambers of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN.

“The 3rd–7th Respondents were represented by Mr. Chidubem Ugwunweze, Esq., from the chambers of Chief Chris Uche, SAN, alongside other counsel. Separate counsel also appeared for the 1st and 2nd Respondents, namely the Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission,”

He explained that contrary to circulating claims in the media, it was clearly established in open court that the initiative for an out-of-court settlement came from the respondents being the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Minister’s aide said that based on the respondents appeal for an out of court settlement, the Applicant informed the court that he had been briefed about ongoing settlement discussions and sought an adjournment to allow parties explore that option.

According to him, the counsel to the 3rd–7th Respondents confirmed that their principal, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, UNN’s lawyer, had earlier engaged Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN on the possibility of settlement; discussions toward settlement were ongoing; and they had no objection to the request for adjournment.

He however said that counsel to the 1st and 2nd Respondents told the court that they were not previously aware of the discussions but did not oppose either the adjournment or the prospect of settlement.

“This sequence of events firmly places the origin of settlement overtures with the respondents’ counsel, not the Applicant,” Ngwu maintained.

He said that despite acknowledging settlement discussions, counsel to the 3rd–7th Respondents also applied to regularise processes filed out of time but the court declined the application, ruling that such issues would only be entertained if settlement efforts fail.

This development he said highlights continuing procedural deficiencies associated with the respondents’ filings.

“With the consent of all parties, the court adjourned the matter to July 8, 2026, for either a report of settlement or continuation of hearing,” The Special Adviser said.

Ngwu said that the suit filed by his principal seeks, among other reliefs; an order restraining the 3rd–7th Respondents from interfering with the Applicant’s academic records; and a directive compelling the release of his complete academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He explained that the case which touches on records dating back over four decades, has drawn public interest due to its implications for institutional transparency and accountability.