The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has abolished the long-standing policy that terminated the admission of nursing students who failed their professional examinations after three attempts.

 

The landmark decision, conveyed in a circular titled “Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination Of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts”, was addressed to health commissioners, vice chancellors, medical directors, nursing association leaders, and heads of nursing institutions across the country.

 

According to the Council, the new policy takes effect from September 2025 and will allow candidates who fail any part of the professional examination to retake only the failed section until they achieve a pass mark.

 

The Council emphasized that candidates must remain in school and maintain at least 80% lecture and/or clinical posting attendance to be eligible for re-sit examinations. However, each failed re-sit attempt will now count against the institution.

 

In the circular, the NMCN explained that the reform was introduced as part of its efforts to align nursing education with global best practices and to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

 

“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more student-centered approach that promotes achievement and resilience while controlling quackery,” the Council stated.

 

The development has been widely welcomed by nursing students across the country, many of whom had previously expressed concern over the elimination policy.