Nigerian Nursing Council Introduces Reform Allowing Students To Retake Failed Exam Sections For Success

 

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, has officially abolished a decades-old policy that limited the progression of nursing students who failed professional examinations multiple times. The landmark decision, announced in a circular dated September 1, 2025, represents a major shift in nursing education policies across the country. Signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Ndagi Alhassan, the circular marks the beginning of a more inclusive and supportive approach to professional nursing education.

Previously, students who failed any section of the Council’s professional examinations more than three times were barred from continuing their studies. This elimination-focused rule had long sparked debates among educators, students, and professional associations, who argued that it stifled potential and discouraged resilience among aspiring nurses. Under the new regulation, candidates who fail any part of the professional exam will be permitted to retake only the section they did not pass, continuing to do so until they achieve a satisfactory score.

The reform will take effect immediately from September 2025, signaling a clear move toward a system that prioritizes professional competence over rigid elimination. Nursing schools, universities, teaching hospitals, and other relevant institutions are expected to adopt measures that support struggling students while maintaining academic standards. According to the Council, this shift is aligned with global best practices in nursing education, emphasizing student development, resilience, and lifelong learning.

“The policy reform is designed to promote a nurturing environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Nursing education must cultivate not only technical skills but also determination and professional growth,” the Council said in a statement. The circular, titled ‘Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts,’ was disseminated to state commissioners of health, heads of nursing schools, directors of teaching hospitals, university vice chancellors, and professional associations nationwide.

Institutions are now required to ensure that students maintain at least 80% attendance in both lectures and clinical sessions to qualify for examination re-sits. Additionally, each failed attempt during a re-sit will be recorded and reflected in the training institution’s performance metrics. This approach aims to maintain accountability while offering students additional opportunities to master essential skills.

Educational experts and nursing advocates have hailed the policy change as overdue and transformative. Dr. Chinyere Okafor, a nursing education specialist, commented, “The previous rule created unnecessary pressure and limited the pool of competent nurses. This student-centered policy will encourage learning, resilience, and ultimately, better healthcare delivery.”

Student reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing relief at the new policy. For years, students faced anxiety knowing that multiple failures could abruptly end their careers. The ability to retake only the failed sections provides a more manageable path to certification, reducing unnecessary stress and fostering a learning-focused environment.

The Council emphasized that while the reform is supportive, academic excellence and professional competence remain non-negotiable. Institutions are encouraged to implement mentoring, tutoring, and remedial programs to assist students struggling with specific exam components. By doing so, the NMCN hopes to strike a balance between fairness and rigorous professional standards.

The elimination of the restrictive policy also addresses long-standing concerns regarding fairness and equity in nursing education. Critics of the previous system argued that students who struggled in isolated sections were unfairly penalized, despite demonstrating competency in other areas of the examination. The Council’s reforms rectify this, ensuring that students’ skills and knowledge are accurately evaluated and that no one is dismissed solely for failing specific components multiple times.

Looking forward, the Council has stated that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the new policy to ensure its effectiveness and to identify further areas for improvement. By adopting a more compassionate, student-focused approach, the NMCN aims to build a generation of nurses and midwives who are not only technically competent but also resilient, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare in Nigeria.

The policy change marks a significant milestone in Nigerian nursing education, representing a broader commitment to reform, inclusivity, and professional excellence. It serves as a model for how educational policies can balance accountability with support, ensuring that students are empowered to achieve their full potential while maintaining high standards in healthcare practice.