Nigerian scientist was paid to take tests for others

A Nigerian biomedical scientist was jailed after he used fake identities to sit multiple aptitude tests for other people.

Emmanuel Eruotor used bogus names, passports and identification documents to sit the Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) at Pearson Professional Training Centres across London and the South East.

He did the exam six times between August and September 2013 using different names and documentation each time, the Health and Care Professions Council heard.

Eruotor also had booked a large number of upcoming tests each in a different name that he later cancelled.

He claims he took the tests for ‘practice’ to feel comfortable when he finally took the test under his real name.

The test cost £100 each time it was taken, the hearing was told.

 UKCAT is an independent test that universities use to make decisions amongst already qualified applicants to medical and dental programmes.

The course is run in partnership with Pearson VUE whose London offices are based in the Strand and who have offices across Europe, the US and Asia.

The computer based cognitive tests take place at their centres across the world.

Eruotor plead guilty and was convicted on February 18 2014 at Woolwich Crown Court of 46 counts of fraud for making false representations, using fake identities and making fake identities.

He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, as a result lost his right to remain in the UK has now been deported back to Nigeria.

The prosecution at the trial put forward that he was taking the tests on behalf of other real candidates for financial gain, it was said.

The judge in his sentencing remarks said that Eruotor had significantly undermined the integrity of important official documents, not least of all, his Nigerian passport,’ said Adwoa Owusu-Akyem for the HCPC.

‘There were multiple counts of fraud admitted to in the police interview,’ said Ms Owusu-Akyem.

‘This was a sustained and repeated event and there is a real risk of repetition, this was not a one off event but a sustained event.’

The hearing had to be stopped and restarted from the beginning today as Eruotor contacted the HCPC and wanted to take part via telephone from Nigeria.

Speaking on the phone Eruotor said: ‘I carried out an offence at a time when I was very vulnerable.

‘It is not an excuse, I am not saying it was right, I deeply regret it.

‘If you were given a chance to live your lives again I would do things differently.

‘I do not have any right, it is only a plea to you, what is done is done.’

‘I would not out the public at risk and I would never re-offend again.

‘My offence was triggered by a series of events and I am deeply ashamed of what I have done.’

‘Only time knows the cost.’

The hearing was adjourned until July 18 when both he and the HCPC will put forward evidence on the facts.