How Nigerian Ifenyinwa Chizube lost UK NHS job over basic biology blunder

A woman who falsely claimed to be an experienced dietitian has been struck off after a panel found she “persistently” misrepresented her qualifications and experience while working for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Ifenyinwa Chizube Ndulue-Nonso, who moved to the UK from Nigeria, began her employment on February 19, 2024. She was reportedly confident during interviews, scoring 62%, but gaps in her knowledge became apparent just two days into her specialist role.

Investigations revealed that Ndulue-Nonso made multiple false claims about basic medical and dietetic knowledge. For instance, she reportedly told colleagues that urine is stored in the gallbladder and that radiotherapy is used to treat heart failure.

By February 22, supervisors raised concerns after she was unable to calculate a patient’s BMI or identify which part of the intestine comes after the stomach. She also failed to recognize feeding tubes and misidentified their use, claiming they were different in Nigeria.

During disciplinary proceedings, Ndulue-Nonso admitted to exaggerating her experience but denied intending to deceive. She said her application reflected her understanding and experience in Nigeria. However, the panel concluded that her deception was “planned, wide-ranging, and persistent,” showing very limited insight and little genuine remorse.

Of the 28 areas of medical knowledge she claimed expertise in, 20 were found to be falsified. The panel noted that her actions posed a “significant risk of serious harm to patients” and there was a “significant risk of repetition.”

Ndulue-Nonso’s representative highlighted her cultural background and apologised for the emotional and financial toll of the proceedings, noting she had since worked in a care home. Nonetheless, the panel ruled her conduct breached the Standards of Conduct, Performance, and Ethics, which requires honesty about qualifications and practising only within areas of competence