UK Tribunal Bans Nigerian Dietitian Over Fake Experience, Cites Serious Patient Risk

A A Nigerian dietitian, Ifenyinwa Chizube Ndulue-Nonso, has been barred from practising in the United Kingdom after a health tribunal found that she falsified her professional experience to secure employment with the National Health Service.

The decision was handed down by the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service following a hearing on March 2, where the panel determined that Ndulue-Nonso misrepresented her qualifications prior to being employed at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in February 2024.

According to tribunal findings, concerns about her competence emerged within just three days of resuming duty. Her supervisor reportedly described her knowledge gaps as “extremely alarming,” particularly as they related to basic anatomy and essential clinical practice.

Among the errors cited were claims that urine is stored in the gallbladder, that radiotherapy is used to treat heart failure, and incorrect identification of the digestive system structure. She also failed to calculate a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI), a fundamental task in dietetic care.

The tribunal further heard that Ndulue-Nonso admitted she had no prior experience administering intravenous feeding or using nutritional supplements. She was also reportedly observed searching for basic medical terms online while on duty. Investigations revealed that 20 out of the 28 competencies she claimed in her application could not be substantiated.

Although she denied intentionally misleading her employers, stating that her application reflected her experience in Nigeria, the panel ruled that her actions were “planned and persistent,” concluding that her conduct posed a significant risk to patient safety.

As a result, the Health and Care Professions Council ordered her removal from the UK register of dietitians, effectively prohibiting her from practising in the country.