Nigerian Nursing Council Abolishes Policy Eliminating Students After Three Failed Exam Attempts; In a landmark decision aimed at fostering inclusivity and strengthening student support in nursing education, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has officially abolished the long-standing policy that dismissed students from training after three unsuccessful attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.
This progressive change reflects the Council’s renewed commitment to global best practices and its dedication to a student-centered approach that prioritizes academic growth, resilience, and professional development over punitive measures.
Full Statement by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria remains committed to regularly reviewing nursing and midwifery education and practice standards to meet evolving healthcare needs while aligning with global best practices.
- Every regulation and policy implemented by the Council serves a purpose. However, the Council reviews such policies periodically to ensure they remain relevant and supportive of academic excellence.
- In line with the mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education, the Council is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. This environment must be flexible, student-centered, and encourage resilience as well as lifelong learning.
- The policy of eliminating students after three unsuccessful attempts at the professional examinations has become a growing concern. The Council recognizes the need to shift from a punitive system to one that supports achievement and success while still safeguarding the profession against quackery.
- Based on these considerations, the policy of eliminating students after three failed attempts at the Council’s professional examinations is hereby abolished effective September 2025. Candidates who fail any part of the professional examination will now be required to retake only the failed part until they achieve a passing grade.
Directives to Proprietors and Heads of Nursing Institutions
The Council has issued the following guidelines for implementation:
- The policy of eliminating candidates after three failed attempts at professional examinations is completely abolished.
- Any candidate who is unsuccessful in a part of the Council’s professional examination shall be allowed to resit that specific part until successful in all sections.
- Candidates must remain enrolled in school and maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and/or clinical postings to qualify for a resit.
- Each unsuccessful resit attempt will be recorded against the candidate’s institution.
Appeal to Institutions
The Council strongly appeals to Heads of Nursing and Midwifery training institutions to adopt supportive strategies that will help all students succeed—particularly those who may require additional academic assistance, more time, or improved study techniques to strengthen their performance.
Conclusion
By abolishing this policy, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is setting a new standard that aligns with international best practices, ensuring that nursing students are not unfairly excluded from pursuing their professional goals. This decision highlights the Council’s commitment to excellence, fairness, and the continuous development of the nursing profession in Nigeria.
Signed:
Ndagi Alhassan, RN, FWAPCNM
Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
