US Charges 23 Nigerian Nurses Over Fake Nursing Degree

23 Nigerian nurses are facing charges over possession of fake educational qualifications in Texas, United States. This came out after an investigation tagged, 'Operation Nightingale'. The research is described as a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action involving the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General was launched on January 25, 2023.

In a statement published, a total of 23 practicing nurses were apprehended in the grand fraudulent diploma/transcript scheme as revealed in the ongoing operation.

However, the board did not hesitate as they released the names of individuals involved in this fraudulent practice. Below are the names of those involved.

Names of Nurses Caught in Texas Over Possession of Fake Qualifications

1. Abanda, Jacob Atambili, LVN #1054553

2. Abiodun, Yetunde Felicia, LVN #1043387

3. Addai, Agnes Fosuah, RN #941850

4. Adelakun, Abiodun Aveez, RN #1034998

5. Adelekan, Joseph Adewale, LVN #351002

6. Adeoye, Vivien Temitope, LVN #342620

7. Adewale, Modinat Abidemi, LVN#353512

8. Afolabi, Olufemi Toun, LVN#1009094

9. Afolabi, Omowunmi F, LVN #1016030

10. Agbo, Odumegwu Steve, RN #882398

11. Ajibade, Charlot Omotayo, LVN #351402

12. Akande, Olabisi Christiana, LVN #1055270

13. Akhigbe, Catherine, LVN #1049072

14. Akinrolabu, Folasade Margaret, LVN #1031788

15. Ako, Esiri Rachael, LVN# 1031788

16. Akpan, Rosemary Moses, #351969

17. Alimi, Bukola A., LVN# 1016636

18. Anaaba, Awingrug Musah, RN #1020740

19. Ani, Ndirika Justina, LVN#1046786

20. Anthony-Annor, Spendilove, RN #1021659

21. Aroh, Nchekwube C., LVN#1046089

22. Asanga, Albert Nshanui, LVN#1048817

23. Ayodeji, Sherifat Olubunmi, LVN#346176

The Texas Board of Nursing made it known that the listed names above are all guilty of possession of fraudulent nursing credentials which they made use of when sitting for the national nursing board examination.

The board statement says, "The board has filed Formal Charges against the following nurses for fraudulently obtaining educational credentials. 

“The board is authorized to file Formal Charges against a nurse if probable cause exists that the nurse has committed an act listed in Tex. Occ. Code §301.452(b) or that violates other laws. See Tex. Occ. Code §301.458. Further, Formal Charges are publicly available. See Tex. Occ. Code §301.466(b).

“Please note that Formal Charges are not a final disciplinary action, and a nurse is permitted to work, as a nurse, while Formal Charges are pending.”

FAQs

Can a Nigerian nurse work in the US?

To work legally in the United States, the vast majority of foreign-trained nurses will need to apply for and be granted a green card. You'll need to fill out this application and get your visa before you may lawfully immigrate to the United States.

Why are nurses leaving Nigeria?

Several Nigerian medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and paramedical staff, have left the country in search of higher salaries and more advanced medical facilities.

How can a Nigerian nurse migrate to the USA?

To move to the United States by the law, you are required to satisfy the federal requirements that are outlined in their entirety here. You will need to apply for either an H-1B visa or a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa (often known as a "Green Card"). Before being eligible for an occupational visa, registered nurses in the United States must complete a screening program by law.