The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has ordered the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, to issue the certificate of one of its graduates, Maria Peter Nkonduok, within 19 days and pay her ₦10 million in damages for the prolonged delay in issuing the certificate.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed a legal action instituted by the law firm of Nwoko & Co after the institute allegedly failed to issue the graduate’s certificate despite providing her with a Statement of Result and a Letter of Attestation.
According to the legal team, repeated requests to the NTI to release the certificate proved unsuccessful, prompting the firm to commence legal proceedings on December 19, 2024.
During the proceedings, the National Teachers’ Institute challenged the suit through several preliminary objections and filed a defence. However, after hearing the arguments of both parties, the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the claimant.
The court held that Maria Peter Nkonduok was entitled not only to receive her certificate but also to compensation for what it described as the institute’s “inordinate delay” in issuing the document.
The court further noted that the delay had adversely affected the claimant’s career progression, forming the basis for the award of ₦10 million in damages.
In its judgment, the court directed the National Teachers’ Institute to issue the certificate within 19 days from July 16, 2026, in addition to paying the monetary compensation.
Reacting to the judgment, the legal team described the decision as a significant victory for graduates whose academic and professional advancement has been hindered by unnecessary delays in the issuance of certificates by higher institutions.
The lawyers also expressed appreciation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, and Utibe Nwoko, Esq., for their confidence and leadership throughout the litigation.
They congratulated the successful claimant, Maria Peter Nkonduok, as well as the entire Team Nwoko & Co, describing the judgment as a landmark decision that serves as a warning to tertiary institutions across Nigeria to ensure that graduates receive their certificates within a reasonable time after completing their studies.
The legal team maintained that the ruling reinforces the responsibility of educational institutions to promptly issue certificates and other academic credentials, stressing that failure to do so may expose defaulting institutions to legal liability and substantial financial penalties.
