Mr. Nwankwoeze Williamson Chijioke, a Director of Lands in the Mass Housing Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is embroiled in a scandal over allegations of forging his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. The forged certificate allegedly served as the basis for his admission to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Architectural Technology, paving the way for further qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and a Master’s degree.
A source described the revelation as causing “shock and outrage” within the ministry, noting that Chijioke’s entire academic and professional career, culminating in his influential FCDA role, was built on a “fake foundation.” The Dependable Patriots for Nation Building and Transformation Initiative (DPNBTI) uncovered the issue after years of rumors, prompting a legal firm, Ike, Ike & Associates, to verify the certificate. In a letter dated March 12, 2025, Kwara State Polytechnic’s Deputy Registrar, Ibrahim Eletu Saka, confirmed the OND result was not issued by the institution.
DPNBTI petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, ICPC, Head of Civil Service, and the Presidency, accusing Chijioke of forgery, perjury, and conspiracy, and demanding prosecution and recovery of benefits gained through the falsified records. Despite these efforts, no action has been taken, leading the group to file a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2050/2025) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 23, 2025, seeking an Order of Mandamus to compel police investigation. The case, assigned to a trial judge, also requests substituted service due to difficulties reaching Chijioke.
The scandal, following the recent resignation of Minister Uche Nnaji over similar credential concerns, has intensified calls for rigorous certificate verification in Nigeria’s public sector. The group’s lawyer emphasized that ignoring clear evidence of forgery undermines public trust in institutional accountability.
