No Room for Quackery: US Nursing Board Bans Nigerian USRN with Fake Nursing Degree
Fellow Nurses Africa
20 February 2026
In a decisive move to uphold patient safety and professional integrity, the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing has permanently revoked the licence of Nigerian-registered nurse Abiola Michael Fagbemigun. The revocation, finalised early this month, stems from evidence that he obtained his Connecticut nursing registration using fraudulent credentials from Azure College, a Florida-based institution implicated in the nationwide “Operation Nightingale” fraud investigation.
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According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Mr Fagbemigun submitted falsified transcripts and documents claiming completion of a non-existent LPN-to-RN bridge programme. Federal authorities revealed in 2025 that Azure College’s director of admissions confessed to issuing fake diplomas and transcripts from 2017 to 2025, with Mr Fagbemigun listed among the recipients.
The case follows his initial licence suspension in October 2025, ahead of a formal hearing where due process was provided. The board’s action reflects a zero-tolerance stance on credential fraud, prioritising public protection over leniency.
This revocation forms part of a broader fallout from Operation Nightingale, a federal initiative that has uncovered diploma mills selling fraudulent qualifications without required education or clinical training. In Connecticut alone, nearly 100 nurses have surrendered or lost their licences since late 2022, with dozens more under investigation. Nationwide, federal estimates suggest up to 7,000 nurses could face similar consequences.
The incident highlights recurring risks for internationally educated nurses, including those from Nigeria, who may encounter exploitative agents or unaccredited programmes promising quick licensure pathways abroad. While many nurses legitimately pass exams like the NCLEX through their own preparation, reliance on falsified records undermines trust in the profession and exposes patients to unqualified care.
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Expert Analysis & Advocacy Perspective
Fellow Nurses Africa emphasise that ethical credential verification is non-negotiable. Nurses pursuing opportunities in the US or elsewhere must:
- Confirm programme accreditation directly with bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or state boards.
- Avoid “bridge” or accelerated options lacking verifiable clinical components.
- Use official channels for transcript evaluation (e.g., CGFNS or state-specific processes).
- Report suspicious offers to regulators promptly.
Fraudulent schemes erode the hard-earned reputation of African nurses worldwide. Legitimate pathways exist through rigorous education, ethical migration support, and transparent licensure—shortcuts that compromise safety ultimately harm the entire profession.
We’ll continues to advocate for robust safeguards, informed decision-making, and equitable opportunities for African nurses. We urge all members to prioritise integrity in their careers.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa
