The Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF) has demanded the resignation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Simon Ortuanya.
The demand followed allegations that he tampered with academic records belonging to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji’s UNN degree certificate, which was questioned even though the university’s Registrar had already confirmed it was genuine.
JCSF during a press conference in Enugu, announced that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has set up a panel to investigate the alleged certificate-tampering scandal.
Vincent Ani, the JCSF coordinator, claimed that Prof. Ortuanya released Nnaji’s academic records himself and said the former minister did not graduate from UNN.
Ani said this action bypassed the Registrar, who is officially responsible for student records.
“This action has raised immediate concerns about the motive behind the Vice Chancellor’s move, which is seen as a politically motivated effort to malign Chief Uche Nnaji,” Ani said.
He added, “This singular action from the Vice Chancellor is a strong sign of institutional malaise and bias.”
The group commended the Education Minister for setting up the investigative panel, but insisted that Ortuanya must step down to ensure a fair inquiry.
Ani stated, “This will prevent interference, intimidation, destruction of evidence, or manipulation of records.
“The Joint Civil Society Front hereby demands that Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya be suspended while the panel conducts its assignment.”
The group also maintained that Nnaji’s resignation as a minister should not be seen as an admission of guilt but as a commitment to transparency.
“We therefore expect that Prof. Simon Ortuanya should do the same willingly, like Uche Nnaji, or be suspended by the Federal Ministry of Education,” JCSF said.
They warned that failure to act could damage the integrity and reputation of the University of Nigeria.
“From the abrupt shift in UNN’s official stance in 2023 on whether Chief Nnaji graduated, to the unexplained disappearance of academic records in 2025, a dangerous precedent is unfolding — one that could haunt UNN for generations if not addressed decisively,” the group added.
