Nigerian Nursing Council abolishes elimination of students after three Professional Examination attempts

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

Relief has finally come for nursing students in the country as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), abolishes the policy of terminating admission of students who had three unsuccessful attempts at the Council's professional examinations.

The landmark decision has been hailed by Nigerians especially nursing students and parents whose wards are undertaking the course in various institutions in Nigeria.

Before now, if any nursing student fails to pass the Nursing Council examination after three attempts, his or her admission would be terminated, causing a huge financial loss to families and a huge psychological trauma to the students.

The decision is said to be part of the Council’s efforts to regularly review nursing and midwifery education and practice standards to meet the evolving health care needs that align with global best practice, the decision is to be implemented immediately.

The circular communicating the decision reads in part, "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.

"The existing policy on eliminating candidates from training after three failed attempts at the Council's professional examinations has become a concern. It is imperative to move from a policy of mere elimination to a more student-centered approach that promotes student achievement and success while controlling quackery.

Based on the foregoing, this policy of eliminating a candidate from training after three unsuccessful attempts at the Council's professional examinations is hereby abolished effective from September 2025.

Candidates who do not pass a part of the professional examination will be required to retake that specific part until a pass mark is achieved.

The Proprietors and Heads of Nursing training institutions should kindly take note of the following:

"The policy of eliminating unsuccessful candidates from training after three attempts at the Council's professional examination is now completely abolished.

"A candidate who is unsuccessful in any part of the Council's professional examination shall be permitted to retake that specific part until he/she is successful in all parts of the professional examination.

"The candidate(s) concerned must remain in school and maintain at least 80% lecture and/or clinical posting attendance to be eligible for the re-sit.

"Each unsuccessful attempt at the professional examination re-sit will be counted against the institution."

Already, the Council’s circular has been sent to, Commissioners/ Secretary of Health Services of all States Ministry of Health and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Vice Chancellor of All Nigerian Universities Offering Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree Programme;

Others are Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of University Teaching Hospitals/ Specialist and Medical Centres; National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; Directors of Nursing Services, Ministries of Health, and Hospitals Management Boards.

The circular titled: "Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination Of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts,” was also communicated to: All States and Federal Capital Territory; Heads of Department of Nursing Science, All Nigerian Universities Offering Nursing Programmes.

Other institutions covered are Proprietors of All Colleges of Nursing Sciences; Provosts and Principals of Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Nursing and Midwifery; Coordinators of All Post Basic Nursing Programmes; Zonal Officers of All Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Zonal Offices.

Heads of institutions have been appealed to implement strategies that will help all students succeed, especially those who may need more support and time to study and improve their knowledge.