The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has abolished its long-standing policy that terminated the admission of students who failed the Council’s professional examination after three attempts.
With this landmark reform, students who are unable to pass after three trials will now be allowed to continue their training and retake only the specific part of the examination they failed until they secure a pass mark.
According to a circular obtained on Monday and addressed to stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including Commissioners of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities offering Nursing, Chief Medical Directors of teaching hospitals, and heads of nursing institutions, the new policy takes effect immediately.
The document, titled “Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts”, explained that the change is part of broader efforts to review nursing and midwifery education and align professional standards with evolving health care needs and global best practices.
“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education requires a more supportive, student-centered learning environment,” the Council stated. “We must move away from elimination to an approach that fosters resilience, inclusiveness, and lifelong learning while safeguarding against quackery.”
Key highlights of the new directive include:
The policy of terminating student admission after three unsuccessful attempts is now completely abolished.
Candidates who fail any part of the Council’s examination may retake only that section until they pass all components.
Students must remain in school and maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and clinical postings to qualify for resits.
Each failed attempt will, however, be recorded against the candidate’s institution.
The Council also urged heads of training institutions to adopt supportive measures that will help students who may require more time and guidance to succeed.
The decision has already been welcomed with excitement and relief by nursing students across the country.
