Nursing Council Abolishes Policy Dismissing Students After Three Failed Exams

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has scrapped its long-standing policy that dismissed students from training after three unsuccessful 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 part of the professional examination will now be permitted to retake only the failed section until they achieve a pass mark. However, affected students must maintain at least 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings to qualify for the re-sit.

The reform, which takes effect from September 2025, was addressed to Commissioners and Secretaries of Health Services, Nigerian universities offering Bachelor of Nursing Science programmes, Chief Medical Directors, and other stakeholders.

According to the Council, the decision is aimed at fostering a more student-centered and supportive learning environment in line with global best practices. It added that the previous elimination policy had become a source of concern, necessitating a shift towards measures that encourage student achievement while still safeguarding professional standards.

“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more inclusive academic environment that is flexible, supportive, and devoted to building resilience and lifelong learning,” Alhassan stated.

The Council further noted that while students will have unlimited chances to retake the failed parts of their exams, institutions will be held accountable, as each unsuccessful attempt will count against them. Heads of training institutions were also urged to adopt strategies that support struggling students and help them succeed.

By abolishing the elimination policy, the NMCN reaffirmed its commitment to regularly reviewing regulations to ensure they meet evolving healthcare needs while aligning with international standards.