The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, has abolished its long-standing policy that barred student nurses from continuing their training after three failed attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.
In a circular dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Registrar/CEO, Ndagi Alhassan, the Council announced that candidates who fail any part of the professional exam will now be allowed to retake only that section until they secure a pass.
The new policy takes effect from September 2025.
The circular, titled ‘Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts’, was addressed to state commissioners of health, teaching hospital directors, university vice chancellors, heads of nursing schools, and professional associations.
According to the Council, the reform reflects its commitment to align nursing education with global best practices by shifting from an elimination-focused policy to a more supportive, student-centered approach.
“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more inclusive academic environment devoted to building resilience and lifelong learning,” the statement read.
The NMCN urged institutions to implement measures that would support struggling students, while stressing that candidates must maintain at least 80% lecture and clinical attendance to qualify for re-sits. It also directed that each failed attempt at a re-sit would count against the training institution.
The Council said the change was necessary to ensure fairness, enhance professional competence, and address concerns raised about the previous policy.
Nigerian Nursing Council abolishes exam failure policy
