By Kosisochakwu Charity Ani

Social networks have recently been flooded with images of Imébehe Ime Okon, a man presenting himself as a neurosurgeon and resident at the Prestigious Medicine School of Johns Hopkins, in Maryland. It is currently the subject of allegations of academic fraud. Several sources claim that he would have claimed to have studied at the University of Uyo, at the University of Texas in Austin, at Babcock University, and be currently in residence in Johns Hopkins.

According to information relayed online, Mr. Okon was well known in the medical community of the University of Uyo, but not as a student. He attended the activities of the Medicine Department, partnered with teachers and students, and regularly published photos with figures from the profession, presenting himself as a student and researcher.

According to user Ahnie_etesin, he allegedly claimed to be a second -year student in medicine at the University of Uyo. More recently, he would be reappeared on social networks by claiming to be a resident in neurosurgery in Johns Hopkins. However, his supposed comrades are still in the last year of studies, raising doubts about the veracity of his journey.

Many Internet users congratulated him, thinking that he had obtained a scholarship. However, a careful examination of his publications suggests that he would have invented his entry into residence, which seems not very plausible in view of his supposed level in 2019. These inconsistencies led several health professionals and students to question his claims. A delegate of the promotion to which he claims to belong would have even tried to dissuade him from pretending to be a student, saying that he has never been. Other testimonies argue that he has never been officially admitted to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Uyo, but that he was traveling with a false letter of admission. It would also have been seen during medical events organized by the Akwa Ibom State Schools.

Social networks Ridhwan Badamasi said Okon also said he studied at Babcock University, in particular within the neurosurgery department of his university hospital. He would also have been accused of plagiarism in 2021. He would also have presented himself as affiliated with the Dell Medical School of the University of Texas in Austin. However, none of these institutions or their members seem to know him. Likewise, no trace of him was found in Johns Hopkins.

Another former student of the University of Uyo confirmed that White has attended some medical courses and conferences, but that he had been expelled after being discovered in possession of a questionable admission letter. Some even argue that he has never been admitted. Despite this, Mr. Okon had published more than 65 articles on the Researchgate and had more than 4,000 subscribers on LinkedIn, before deactivating his profile.

Doctor or impostor? What the fact auditors say

On one of the images published by Mr. Okon, he wears a medical blouse allegedly from the Dell Medical School, but it also sports the inscription " Age ", a Nigerian brand of medical blouses.

Dubawa verification platform has contacted all the universities cited by Mr. Okon and consulted their websites looking for evidence of its affiliation. Texas' nirate in Austin has confirmed that no person bearing their name was registered or affiliated with the establishment. The deputy vice-president responsible for media relations, Mike Rosen, said:
"The University of Texas in Austin has no resident or student, current or old, bearing the name mentioned. »»

Johns Hopkins University and the University of Uyo were also requested to confirm or deny Okon's claims. When writing this report, they had not yet answered. However, the list of residents displayed on the website does not mention its name.

Since the emergence of accusations, Mr. Okon has rendered his private social media accounts. Contacted by Dubawa via WhatsApp, he refused to answer questions about his diplomas. He said, however, that he was preparing a project to "tell the whole truth", adding:
"I know if I did it or not. I will forgive them. I will say the whole truth and I will be sincere and very open. »»

The case of Okon Inibehe raises questions about the phenomenon of charlatanism and the falsification of diplomas, especially in the medical field. Many patients and professionals have already faced individuals pretending to be doctors or nurses. The question remains asked: how can we, today, verify the identity and qualifications of those to whom we entrust our health?