Nurses used to illustrate story (PHOTO CREDIT: dailytrust)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has abolished its decades-long policy of dismissing students who fail the council’s professional examinations after three attempts.

The reform, announced in a circular dated 1 September 2025 and signed by the Registrar/CEO Ndagi Alhassan, introduces a more flexible re-sit system aimed at supporting student success and aligning with global best practice.

What the New Policy Means

Under the new guidelines:

• Students who fail a section of the professional exam can re-sit that specific part until they pass,
• They must maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and clinical postings,
• Institutions will now be held accountable, as each failed re-sit will count against the school’s record.

“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,” the circular stated.

Why the Change?

The NMCN said the old policy had become a source of concern, as it discouraged capable students who needed more time or support to succeed.

The council explained that the reform is part of its mission to promote excellence in nursing and midwifery education, and to create a system that is:

• Student-centred,
• Flexible, and
• Committed to lifelong learning.

“It is imperative to move from a policy of mere elimination to a more student-centred approach that promotes student achievement and success while controlling quackery,” the statement read.

Call to Nursing Institutions

The council urged proprietors and heads of nursing schools to:

• Provide extra support to struggling students,
• Implement strategies that encourage learning outcomes,
• Ensure compliance with attendance rules before students are allowed re-sits.

The circular was sent to state health commissioners, universities offering nursing programmes, chief medical directors, and other stakeholders.