University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Dragged to Court Over Peter Obi’s Academic Records, Certificate

Abayomi Arabambi has dragged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and its Vice-Chancellor before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged refusal to release Peter Obi’s academic records.

The Labour Party chieftain is asking the court to compel the university to provide certified copies of records relating to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy allegedly awarded to Obi in 1984.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026, was filed on September 9, 2026, through Arabambi’s lawyer, Anderson Asemota.

Politics Nigeria gathered that the case is before the Federal High Court in Abuja and has not yet been assigned to a judge.

Arabambi said his demand was made under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

He is seeking access to a certificate bearing number D000198, which he said was issued by UNN to Gregory Peter Onwubuasi Obi in connection with the Philosophy degree.

He also wants the university to release other official records connected to the degree and certificate.

These include academic records, graduation and degree-award documents, certificate-register entries, Senate or academic approval records and any other institutional documents upon which the award of the degree was based.

The LP chieftain told the court that he first approached the university in July.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the case, Arabambi’s request was contained in a letter dated July 16, 2026. He said the letter was eventually received by the respondents on August 6.

He said the request specifically sought a certified true copy of Obi’s certificate and other records that could establish the basis upon which the university awarded the degree.

“The applicant also requested a Certified True Copy of the certificate, academic record or other official records upon which the said degree was predicated.

“The said request was duly delivered to and received by the respondents on 6th August, 2026.

“The applicant expressly made the request pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and stated the public-interest and accountability basis for the request.

“The respondents failed and/or neglected to provide the requested information within the period prescribed by the Act,” he said.

Arabambi said he waited for a response from the university but did not receive the documents.

He also claimed that UNN did not send him a formal notice explaining why the information could not be released or identifying any exemption under the Freedom of Information Act.

He subsequently sent another letter to the university.

The reminder was dated August 31 and, according to the applicant, was delivered on September 1.

“The applicant consequently sent a reminder letter dated 31st August, 2026, reiterating the original request and again demanding the requested records.

“The reminder letter was delivered to and received by the respondents on 1st September, 2026, as evidenced by the delivery receipt,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars and nomination documents of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Arabambi said the delivery record identified the receiver as the Vice-Chancellor and listed UNN as the destination.

He maintained that the university had still not supplied the documents or issued what he considered a lawful refusal by the time he approached the court.

“As at the commencement of this action, the respondents have neither supplied the requested records nor issued a lawful written notice of refusal,” he said.

The former factional spokesperson of the Labour Party is asking the court for 19 reliefs.

Among them is a declaration that his request qualifies as a valid request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

He also wants an order of mandamus directing UNN and its Vice-Chancellor to provide a certified true copy of certificate number D000198 if the document exists in the university’s custody, possession or control.

The applicant is further asking for certified copies of existing academic and institutional records relating to the degree.