A new certificate forgery scandal has surfaced within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), just weeks after the resignation of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over similar allegations.
This time, the spotlight is on Mr. Nwankwoeze Williamson Chijioke, a senior official serving as the Director of Lands in the Mass Housing Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
He is accused of forging his academic qualifications to gain entry into the civil service and rise through its ranks.
At the centre of the controversy is an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate allegedly issued by Kwara State Polytechnic, which Chijioke purportedly used to gain admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, where he later earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Architectural Technology.
That HND reportedly paved the way for further academic pursuits, including degrees from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and a master’s degree, all of which helped propel him to a top leadership role in the FCDA.
However, a letter dated March 12, 2025, signed by Ibrahim Eletu Saka, the Deputy Registrar (Examinations and Records) of Kwara State Polytechnic, states that the OND certificate did not originate from the institution.
“The statement of result did not emanate from the school,” the letter reads, declaring the document fake.
Following this revelation, a civil society group, the Dependable Patriots for Nation Building and Transformation Initiative (DPNBTI) petitioned multiple government agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and the Presidency.
“Our investigation revealed that Nwankwoeze Chijioke used a forged statement of result dated January 16, 1997, purportedly issued by Kwara State Polytechnic, to secure admission into Oko Polytechnic and later employment in the civil service,” the group stated.
“The institution has disowned the document in its official letter dated March 12, 2025.”
Despite the weight of the evidence, insiders report that no formal investigation or disciplinary action has been taken against Chijioke, several months after the petitions were submitted.
Frustrated by the inaction, DPNBTI filed a legal case at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 23, 2025, seeking to compel the authorities to act.
The case, filed as Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2050/2025, requests an Order of Mandamus directing the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate and prosecute Chijioke.
The group’s legal team also requested substituted service, citing the accused’s refusal to respond to official communications.
“This is a test of institutional accountability,” the group’s lawyer declared.
“When clear evidence of forgery is ignored, it weakens public confidence in the system.”
The case has now been assigned to a trial judge for hearing.
