A Nigerian doctor who secured a job with a United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust using a falsified CV has been struck off the medical register.

Dr Tochukwu Akah admitted making more than 20 false claims about his qualifications, professional experience and achievements, the Medical Practitioners Tribunals Service (MPTS) said.

Akah joined Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in September 2024 as a clinical fellow in haematology, the branch of medicine concerned with blood disorders.

Fabricated Qualifications and Experience

According to the tribunal, Akah claimed to have received awards for “best student in internal medicine” and “distinction in pathology” at a Nigerian university.

He also presented himself as a former Chief Medical Officer in the emergency department in Nigeria and claimed to have published research on sickle cell disease.

In addition, Akah stated that he had independently performed stem cell transplants, bone marrow biopsies and blood transfusions. However, the tribunal found that none of the claims was true.

The panel described his application as a “wholesale fabrication” of awards, publications, presentations and professional experience designed to meet the requirements for the job.

Patients Exposed to Significant Risk

The hearing was told that Akah failed a course with the UK Resuscitation Council, which considered him unfit to practise.

Barrister Jade Bucklow told the tribunal: “It is simply fortuitous that we do not have a case of patient harm within this allegation.”

The panel said patients had been exposed to significant risk, although there was no evidence that anyone had suffered harm.

It consequently ordered Akah’s immediate removal from the medical register. He is also not currently working in the UK or for an NHS trust, the hearing was told.

Hospital Dismissed Doctor After Concerns

Akah was dismissed after colleagues at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust raised concerns about him.

The trust subsequently reported him to the General Medical Council in May 2025, leading to the tribunal proceedings.

Responding to an inquiry about its recruitment checks, a trust spokesperson said patient safety remained its priority.

“As soon as concerns were raised, measures were put in place to keep patients safe whilst matters were investigated in line with policy,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that Akah was dismissed following a formal human resources process.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates major hospitals in Basingstoke and Winchester, England.