Connecticut DPH hearing examines nurse’s credentials after Azure College investigation

This is a public hearing held by the Connecticut Department of Public Health concerning a complaint against Abiola Michael Fagbemagoon, RN, docket number 2025-878, Hearing Officer Aden Baum said at the start of the proceeding convened Oct. 16, 2025.

The Department of Public Health presented evidence that it says shows Fagbemagoon did not complete the required pre‑licensure classroom hours and clinical training at Azure College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The department said the case was investigated as part of Operation Nightingale, a joint inquiry by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and that an affidavit from Azure’s owner listed students who did not complete required program hours and included the respondent’s name.

Hearing officer Aden Baum explained the process at the outset and said he would prepare a proposed memorandum of decision for the Board of Examiners for Nursing to consider. Anthony Nanny, attorney for the Department of Public Health, told the panel the department’s exhibits include an investigative report, an affidavit from the college’s owner, the respondent’s application for licensure, an official transcript, and clinical sign‑in sheets. Nanny said the department would ask the board to revoke Fagbemagoon’s registered‑nurse license.

Marybeth Mendez, identified as a health program associate with the Department of Public Health, testified that the investigation was part of Operation Nightingale. Mendez said the affidavit from the school owner listed students who did not complete required program hours and that the respondent’s name appeared on that list. She also testified that files seized by the FBI and the Office of Inspector General did not include the required documents for Fagbemagoon’s file.

Fagbemagoon, who was not represented by counsel at the hearing, denied the department’s allegations. In his testimony and in a personal statement he said he researched Azure College before attending; that he completed orientation, drug testing and other requirements the school requested; and that he returned to Florida after the program to complete in‑person clinical simulations. "I did every necessary thing that I'm supposed to do," he told the panel.

The department pointed to apparent inconsistencies it said undermine the respondent’s account: that Azure did not offer an LPN‑to‑RN bridge program (which the respondent said he believed he attended), that the program outline indicated classes were approved only for in‑person delivery, that the respondent’s official transcript lists graduation on Jan. 29, 2021 while sign‑in documentation shows a clinical attendance date of Nov. 14, 2022, and that the respondent’s written responses to investigators listed payments to an individual (Jose Napoleon) rather than only to the college.

During cross‑examination and questioning, Fagbemagoon maintained he paid Azure College, attended required clinicals and simulations, and that he had submitted documentation and receipts to the department investigator and to the department attorney. He repeatedly asked the panel for guidance on how to "make this right" if he is found to be a victim of misconduct by the school, saying he would enroll in another program if necessary and that nursing is his career and passion.

No final disciplinary decision was issued at the hearing. The hearing officer said he would review the transcript and exhibits and prepare a proposed memorandum of decision for the Board of Examiners for Nursing. The department rested its case after presenting witnesses and documentary exhibits; the respondent presented no witnesses and made a personal statement. The record for the hearing includes the notice of hearing (dated Oct. 2, 2025), the statement of charges (Sept. 29, 2025), the summary suspension order (Oct. 1, 2025) and department exhibits 1–8 entered into evidence.

What happens next: Hearing officer Aden Baum will prepare a proposed memorandum of decision that will be provided to the parties and then considered by the Board of Examiners for Nursing; the board will issue any final disciplinary action or order. The panel did not record a final disposition at the Oct. 16 proceeding.