The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has announced a major policy shift that brings relief to many nursing students across the country.
In a new circular issued on September 1, 2025 (Ref: N&MCN/SG/RO/CIR/24/VOL.5/118), the Council officially abolished its long-standing rule that disqualified candidates from training after failing the Council’s professional examinations three times.
This new decision takes effect from September 2025 and introduces a more flexible and student-friendly approach. Instead of outright elimination, candidates who fail any part of the professional examination will now be allowed to re-sit only the specific part they did not pass until a pass mark is achieved.
Why This Matters for Nursing Students
According to the circular signed by Registrar/CEO Ndagi Alhassan, this reform is part of the Council’s mission to continuously upgrade nursing and midwifery education to align with global best practices.
The statement emphasized that the old elimination policy created unnecessary barriers, and that the Council is now shifting toward a student-centered approach that promotes academic success, resilience, and lifelong learning.
To ensure fairness, the Council stated:
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Students must remain enrolled in their institutions.
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They must maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and/or clinical postings to qualify for re-sits.
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Each failed attempt will still be recorded against the institution, making schools accountable for improving student support systems.
Who Received the Circular?
The circular was widely distributed to key stakeholders in the health and education sector, including:
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Commissioners and Secretaries of Health in all states and FCT.
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Vice Chancellors of universities offering Nursing Science degrees.
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Chief Medical Directors of teaching and specialist hospitals.
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National President of the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Association.
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Heads of Nursing Science departments, proprietors of colleges, provosts, and principals of nursing schools.
Council’s Mission Behind the Reform
The NMCN highlighted that this new directive is not just about examinations, but about raising the standard of nursing education while discouraging quackery.
The Council noted:
“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more inclusive and supportive academic environment that is student-centered, flexible, and devoted to building resilience and interest in lifelong learning.”
Final Thoughts
With this development, nursing students in Nigeria now have a better chance to complete their education without the fear of elimination after three failed attempts. The reform not only supports student growth but also strengthens the nation’s healthcare system by producing more competent and resilient nurses.
This is a win-win for both students and institutions—encouraging accountability in schools and giving students the opportunity to succeed at their own pace.
