By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), has scrapped its long-standing policy of expelling candidates after three failed attempts at professional examinations.
Under the new rule, students who fail any part of the council’s exams will now be allowed to retake that specific section until they pass, provided they maintain at least 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings.
The policy shift was announced in a circular dated September 1, 2025, signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Ndagi Alhassan, and addressed to state health commissioners, medical directors, university nursing programmes, and other stakeholders.
The circular was titled “Nursing Education Reform: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts.”
According to the council, the reform is designed to create a more student-centred and inclusive learning environment while aligning nursing education in Nigeria with global best practices.
Registrar Alhassan said the old policy had become a source of concern, noting that the new approach would encourage student achievement without compromising standards or tolerating quackery.
He added that the council remains committed to promoting academic excellence through flexible and resilient training structures.
The circular further directed training institutions to retain eligible candidates and to record each failed attempt against the institution.
It also urged heads of nursing schools to adopt support systems that will help struggling students complete their training successfully.
