Nurses’ Forum Slams Nigerian Nursing Council Over Approval Of Islamic Certificates For School Admission
In a statement signed by one of its leaders, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum expressed deep concern over what it described as a “troubling deviation” from the council’s regulatory mandate....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
The Elegant Nurses Forum has strongly criticised the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) over its recent approval for the use of Islamic School Certificates (ISS/ISSE) as an alternative to West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) certificates for admission into nursing schools.
In a statement signed by one of its leaders, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum expressed deep concern over what it described as a “troubling deviation” from the council’s regulatory mandate.
The Forum accused the NMCN of making decisions that could erode professional standards and weaken the scientific foundation upon which nursing is built.
“The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, a statutory body entrusted with the regulation of nursing education and practice, has been embroiled in controversy,” the statement read.
“Critics argue that the council’s leadership has deviated from its core mandate, precipitating a decline in the profession’s esteem.”
The directive to accept ISS/ISSE certificates has drawn strong criticism, with many professionals, according to the Forum, warning that it could introduce sectarian bias and undermine the quality and credibility of nursing education in the country.
The Forum also highlighted concerns that the policy shift could lower entry standards and, in turn, threaten patient care.
“This development has exacerbated existing tensions between the council and nursing professionals, who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from decision-making processes,” the statement added.
“The resultant disillusionment has led some nurses to abandon the profession or seek alternative career paths.”
In response to the growing concern, the Elegant Nurses Forum demanded that the NMCN must: “Retract the contentious circular approving ISS/ISSE certificates; reaffirm WAEC and NECO SSCE as the sole acceptable qualifications for nursing school admission, and foster inclusive decision-making processes that genuinely reflect the views of nursing professionals across Nigeria.”
The Forum also called on human rights organisations and civil society groups to intervene, citing concerns over potential rights violations and the long-term impact on the nursing profession’s global standing.
“We are seeking solidarity from human rights organisations and civil society groups to address perceived rights violations and ensure that nursing education is guided by evidence-based standards rather than sectarian considerations,” it said.
As the debate intensifies, many within the healthcare sector await the council’s response, with hopes that decisions about the future of nursing education in Nigeria will be rooted in merit, scientific integrity, and professional inclusivity.