Nursing Council Abolishes 3-Attempt Elimination Policy
In a landmark decision to enhance inclusivity and student support in nursing education, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has officially abolished the long-standing policy that disqualified students from training after three unsuccessful attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.
The Council announced that, effective September 2025, candidates who fail any part of the professional examination will now be required to re-sit only that specific part until a pass is achieved, rather than being eliminated from training entirely.
Below are key highlights of the official circular:
1. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to regularly review nursing and midwifery education standards to meet evolving healthcare needs and align with global best practices.
2. It emphasized a shift from punitive elimination policies to a more supportive, student-centered approach that promotes achievement, resilience, and lifelong learning while still safeguarding professional standards.
3. The abolished policy means:
Students are no longer removed from training after three failed exam attempts.
Candidates may re-sit only the failed section(s) until successful in all parts.
Students must remain in school and maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and clinical postings to qualify for re-sits.
Each failed re-sit attempt will count against the institution, ensuring schools remain accountable for student success.
4. The Council urged training institutions to implement supportive strategies to help all students, especially those needing extra time and guidance.
The Registrar/CEO of the Council, Ndagi Alhassan (RN, FWAPCNM), signed the statement, assuring stakeholders of NMCN’s commitment to maintaining excellence in nursing and midwifery education in line with global best practice.
