FCTA lands director faces forgery allegations as Kwara Polytechnic denies issuing certificate

‎Mr. Nwankwoeze Williamson Chijioke, Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is under investigation for allegedly presenting a forged Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate from Kwara State Polytechnic.
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‎According to reports, Chijioke used the disputed OND certificate to gain admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, where he earned a Higher National Diploma in Architectural Technology. This forged document is said to have laid the foundation for his subsequent academic and professional qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and a master’s degree.
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‎The fraud allegations gained traction after a civic watchdog group engaged a legal firm to verify the credentials. Kwara State Polytechnic responded on March 12, 2025, rejecting as fake the OND certificate bearing Chijioke’s name.
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‎This denial was signed by Deputy Registrar Ibrahim Eletu Saka.Following this confirmation, the Dependable Patriots for Nation Building and Transformation Initiative (DPNBTI) petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, the ICPC, and other government bodies to investigate and prosecute Chijioke for forgery, perjury, and conspiracy. The petition stresses the need to recover any benefits gained through the falsified credential.
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‎Despite these efforts, no significant action has been taken by authorities months after the complaint surfaced. The DPNBTI has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an order compelling the police to act. The suit, filed on September 23, 2025, is currently assigned to a trial judge.
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‎This case follows closely after the resignation of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down amid doubts about his academic qualifications. These incidents have intensified calls for thorough vetting of public officials’ credentials in Nigeria.
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