Fake Nigerian Doctor Struck Off UK Medical Register After NHS Job

A Nigerian doctor who secured a job with a United Kingdom National Health Service hospital trust using a falsified CV has been struck off the medical register. Dr Tochukwu Akah joined Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in September 2024 as a clinical fellow in haematology. The Medical Practitioners Tribunals Service said Akah admitted making more than 20 false claims about his qualifications, professional experience and achievements.

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. Furthermore, Akah stated that he had independently performed stem cell transplants, bone marrow biopsies and blood transfusions.

However, the tribunal found that none of Akah's claims were 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. This raised serious concerns about patient safety, as Akah was handling sensitive medical procedures without proper qualifications or experience.

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

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. The trust's spokesperson said patient safety remained its priority and that measures were put in place to keep patients safe while matters were investigated.

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. The trust's response indicates that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and takes prompt action to protect patients.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunals Service ordered Akah's immediate removal from the medical register. He is also not currently working in the UK or for an NHS trust. The case highlights the importance of thorough recruitment checks and verification of qualifications to prevent unqualified individuals from practising medicine.

Key points

• Dr Tochukwu Akah made over 20 false claims about his qualifications and experience to secure an NHS job.
• Akah's actions exposed patients to significant risk, although no harm was reported.
• The Medical Practitioners Tribunals Service ordered Akah's immediate removal from the medical register.