NMCN Ends Three-Strike Exam Rule for Nursing Students

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has abolished its long-standing policy that expelled students after failing the Council’s professional exams three times.

Under the new regulation, students who fail a section of the professional examination can now retake that specific part until they achieve a pass, provided they maintain at least 80 percent attendance in lectures and clinical postings.

The policy change, outlined in a circular signed by the Council’s Registrar/CEO, Ndagi Alhassan, is part of broader reforms to make nursing education more inclusive and student-centered. The circular, dated September 1, 2025, was sent to universities, nursing colleges, and health service authorities nationwide.

Alhassan said the Council is committed to ensuring that policies reflect global best practices while supporting students’ success. “Moving away from automatic elimination promotes academic resilience and lifelong learning,” he stated.

The Council urged nursing institutions to adopt measures that will help students improve their performance, emphasizing that each failed attempt will be counted against the institution.