The controversy stems from earlier claims by Nnaji that the Vice Chancellor improperly interfered with his student records at a time the former minister was under public pressure over alleged certificate falsification. Nnaji had previously been cleared by the university registrar, the designated custodian of academic documents, before the dispute resurfaced.
In a press briefing, the Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF), Enugu State, announced that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has established a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged tampering. According to the group, a transparent inquiry cannot proceed smoothly unless Prof. Ortuanya temporarily relinquishes his position.
Despite repeated efforts, the Vice Chancellor and the university’s public relations unit have not commented on the matter.
JCSF coordinator, Vincent Ani, argued that pressure is building on Ortuanya because he personally released academic records indicating that Nnaji did not graduate from UNN — a responsibility normally reserved for the registrar. Ani alleged that this action raises concerns about both procedure and motive, suggesting that bypassing established administrative channels may point to political or personal bias.
“The Vice Chancellor’s sudden assumption of the registrar’s statutory duties has triggered serious questions,” Ani said, describing the development as a sign of institutional breakdown that could damage the university’s credibility.
The group welcomed the decision to set up an investigative panel but maintained that the principles guiding impartial inquiries require the temporary suspension of any official whose actions are central to the investigation. This, they argued, would help prevent interference, undue influence, or the manipulation of records.
According to JCSF, the unfolding controversy — from shifting university positions in 2023 regarding Nnaji’s graduate status to reported gaps in academic documentation in 2025 — risks creating a troubling precedent for the institution if not handled decisively.
Nnaji’s resignation from the federal cabinet, the group emphasized, should be viewed as a commitment to transparency rather than an admission of wrongdoing. By the same logic, they contend, Prof. Ortuanya should step aside voluntarily or be directed to do so by the Ministry of Education to ensure a fair and obstruction-free inquiry.
The panel’s findings are expected to shape not only the resolution of the current dispute but also broader questions about record-keeping, accountability, and institutional integrity at one of Nigeria’s leading universities.