Nigerian Health Worker Sanctioned for Using AI During UK NHS Job Interview
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A Nigerian-trained dietician has been removed from the United Kingdom’s professional register after being found guilty of using artificial intelligence tools during a virtual job interview with the National Health Service (NHS).
The incident occurred during a remote interview for a specialist dietetics role at a UK hospital, conducted via video conferencing while the candidate was in Nigeria. Concerns were raised by the interview panel over the unusually polished and highly technical nature of her responses.
According to findings presented before a professional tribunal, the candidate frequently repeated questions and appeared to delay her responses, behaviour the panel interpreted as an attempt to generate answers using AI in real time.
Observers also noted unusual eye movements suggesting she may have been reading from an external screen. Her answers were described as overly detailed and consistent with advanced academic material beyond the expected level for the role.
Following the interview, she was required to complete a timed case study assessment. The submission reportedly reinforced suspicions, as it contained exceptionally structured and comprehensive responses that were deemed inconsistent with standard expectations.
During the disciplinary proceedings, the health worker denied any wrongdoing. She maintained that repeating questions was a personal communication habit and attributed her on-screen behaviour to technical issues, including checking her internet connection.
However, the tribunal found her explanations unconvincing, ruling that the evidence strongly indicated the use of AI tools in both the interview and assessment stages.
In its final decision, the panel stated that her actions compromised the integrity of the recruitment process and raised concerns about professional ethics and patient safety. Citing a lack of accountability and low likelihood of behavioural change, the tribunal ordered her removal from the professional register, with an interim suspension in place pending any appeal.
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