Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) Ends Policy Eliminating Students After Three Failed Exam Attempts

In a landmark move aimed at improving inclusivity and student support within the nursing education system, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has announced the abolition of the long-standing policy that eliminates students from training after three unsuccessful attempts at the Council’s professional examinations. This progressive decision reflects the Council’s renewed commitment to global best practices and a student-centered approach that prioritizes academic growth and professional development over punitive measures.

Below is the full statement released by the Council:

1. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is committed to regularly reviewing nursing and midwifery education and practice standards to meet the evolving health care needs that align with global best practice.

2. The Council understands the purpose of every regulation and policy that is implemented and reviews them as the need arises to ensure they align with our commitment to academic excellence and global best practice.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

b. 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.

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

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

7. The Council sincerely appeals to Heads of institutions to implement strategies that will help all students succeed, especially those who may need more support and time to study and improve their knowledge.

8. Please bring the content of this circular to the attention of all concerned.

Thank you for your cooperation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria in promoting and maintaining excellence in nursing education and practice in line with global best practice.

Ndagi Alhassan RN, FWAPCNM

Registrar/CEO.