The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has scrapped its long-standing policy that disqualified student nurses after three failed attempts at the council’s professional examinations.
In a circular dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Ndagi Alhassan, the council announced that candidates who fail any section of the exam will now be allowed to re-sit that particular part until they attain a pass. However, students must maintain at least 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings to qualify.
The notice, titled “Nursing education reform: Elimination of students after three professional examination attempts”, was sent to Commissioners and Secretaries of Health Services, universities offering Nursing Science programmes, Chief Medical Directors, and other stakeholders.
According to the registrar, the reform is intended to foster a more student-focused, inclusive, and supportive learning system.
“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-centred, flexible, and devoted to building resilience and interest in lifelong learning.
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“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-centred approach that promotes student achievement and success while controlling quackery.
“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,” Alhassan stated.
The council emphasized that each unsuccessful attempt would still count against the training institution, urging school authorities to provide extra support for struggling students.
“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,” the circular read.
