According to documents obtained by journalists, the controversial OND certificate was allegedly used to gain admission into Federal Polytechnic, Oko, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Architectural Technology.
This qualification reportedly paved the way for subsequent degrees from University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and a master’s programme — all of which contributed to his rise to a top leadership position within the FCDA.
In a letter dated March 12, 2025, signed by the Deputy Registrar (Examinations and Records), Ibrahim Eletu Saka, Kwara State Polytechnic categorically disowned the OND certificate in question. The letter confirmed that the statement of result “did not emanate from the school” and declared it fake.
The revelation prompted the Dependable Patriots for Nation Building and Transformation Initiative (DPNBTI), a civic advocacy group, to petition key government agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, 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 gravity of the allegations, sources say no decisive action has been taken months after the petitions were filed. Frustrated by the lack of response, DPNBTI approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a suit under number FHC/ABJ/CS/2050/2025 on September 23, 2025.
The suit seeks an Order of Mandamus compelling the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to launch an immediate investigation and prosecute the accused official. The group’s counsel also applied for substituted service, alleging that the defendant has evaded all attempts to be reached.
“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 since been assigned to a trial judge for hearing. This latest development comes on the heels of the recent resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over a similar certificate scandal. The series of incidents has intensified public calls for stricter verification of academic credentials among top government officials.
