The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has officially scrapped its long-standing policy that eliminated students from training after three unsuccessful attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.

Under the new reform, affected students will now be allowed to retake only the specific section they failed until they achieve a passing score, provided they maintain at least 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings.

This change was outlined in a circular signed by NMCN’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Ndagi Alhassan, titled, “Nursing Education Reform: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts.” The circular, dated September 1, 2025, was addressed to Commissioners and Secretaries of Health Services, all Nigerian universities offering Bachelor of Nursing Science programs, Chief Medical Directors, and other relevant stakeholders.

According to the PUNCH, the Council explained that the reform is part of its broader effort to create a student-centered, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for nursing and midwifery trainees. It also underscores NMCN’s commitment to continuously reviewing education and practice standards to meet evolving healthcare needs in line with global best practices.

Alhassan emphasized that regulations and policies are reviewed periodically to ensure they promote academic excellence. He stated, “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.”

He further noted, “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.”

The circular directed proprietors and heads of nursing training institutions to adopt the revised policy. “The policy of eliminating unsuccessful candidates from training after three attempts at the Council’s professional examination is now completely abolished. 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,” it stated.

Effective from September 2025, candidates who do not pass a part of the professional examination will now be required to retake only that specific part until a pass mark is achieved.

Eligibility for re-sits is contingent upon students remaining enrolled and maintaining a minimum of 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings.

The Council also highlighted institutional accountability, noting, “Each unsuccessful attempt at the professional examination re-sit will be counted against the institution. 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.”