The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has abolished its long-standing policy that prevented student nurses from furthering their training after three failed attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.
In a circular dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Registrar/CEO, Ndagi Alhassan, the Council announced that candidates who fail any part of the professional examination will now be allowed to retake only that section until they secure a pass.
The circular, titled ‘Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts’, was addressed to state commissioners of health, teaching hospital directors, university vice chancellors, heads of nursing schools, and professional associations, with the new policy taking effect from September 2025.
According to the Council, the reform reflects its commitment to align nursing education with global best practices by shifting from a policy focused on elimination to a more supportive, student-centred approach.
“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more inclusive academic environment devoted to building resilience and lifelong learning,” the statement read.
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