A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, seeking to prevent the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from releasing his academic records.
Justice of the court ruled that the minister’s application lacked merit, emphasizing that public institutions like UNN are legally obligated to provide verifiable academic information when requested under transparency and accountability laws.
The minister had approached the court to restrain the university from releasing details of his educational history, but the judge held that such information forms part of the public record and is not protected under privacy exemptions.
The court further noted that citizens have a constitutional right to access educational and professional records of public officials, especially those holding sensitive government positions.
This ruling paves the way for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to proceed with the release of the requested documents.
As of press time, representatives of the minister and the university were yet to issue official statements on the development.
