Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN): All You Need to Know

When people talk about the nursing profession in Nigeria, one institution that always comes to mind is the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). It is the single regulatory body responsible for ensuring that nurses and midwives in the country meet the professional and ethical standards required to deliver safe healthcare.

Whether you are a student aspiring to become a nurse, a registered practitioner seeking to renew your license, or simply curious about the future of nursing in Nigeria, understanding the role of the NMCN is essential.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Council — its history, structure, responsibilities, reforms, and why it remains a vital pillar of healthcare in Nigeria.

Historical Background

The NMCN was officially established by the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration, etc.) Act, CAP N143, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. But its roots go much further back.

• Early 20th century – Nursing in Nigeria was largely apprenticeship-based, with hospital matrons training young women in basic nursing care.
• 1947 – The Nigerian Nursing Council was first set up to regulate nursing practice.
• Mid-20th century – With the growing demand for midwives, the Midwives Board was created.
• 1979 – Both bodies were merged into what is now known as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Since then, the Council has evolved into a robust regulatory authority guiding not only education but also licensing, professional ethics, and continuing development for nurses and midwives.

Mandate of the NMCN

The NMCN has a broad mandate that touches on nearly every aspect of nursing and midwifery practice in Nigeria. These responsibilities include:

1. Regulation of Education – Approving schools, setting curricula, and ensuring quality standards for nursing and midwifery training institutions.
2. Licensing – Conducting qualifying exams and registering successful candidates as professionals.
3. Accreditation – Periodic visitation and evaluation of Schools and Colleges of Nursing to maintain standards.
4. Professional Ethics – Enforcing codes of conduct to ensure nurses and midwives uphold integrity and competence.
5. Policy Advisory Role – Advising government on nursing and midwifery-related issues.
6. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Ensuring practitioners remain updated with new knowledge and skills.

Structure of the NMCN

The Council operates under the Federal Ministry of Health. Its structure is made up of:

• Governing Board: Appointed by the Federal Government to oversee policies and administration.
• Registrar/Secretary-General: The chief executive officer of the Council.
• Departments: Covering education, examinations, licensing, discipline, and professional development.
• Zonal and State Offices: To decentralize services and make access easier for practitioners.

Key Functions That Affect Students

If you are an aspiring nurse or midwife, here are the most important ways the NMCN affects you:

1. Admission Approval – Only schools accredited by the Council can admit nursing/midwifery students.
2. O’Level Requirements – The Council sets the minimum entry requirement (5 credits in English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
3. Qualifying Exams – At the end of your program, the Council conducts a professional qualifying exam before you are licensed.
4. Licensure – Without NMCN registration, you cannot legally practice as a nurse or midwife in Nigeria.
5. Indexing – As a student, your name must be indexed with NMCN at the beginning of your training.

Reforms and Recent Developments

The NMCN has been at the forefront of reforming nursing education and practice in Nigeria. Some major reforms include:

(a) Transition from Schools of Nursing to Colleges of Nursing

In line with global trends, the Council is phasing out traditional Schools of Nursing that only award RN certificates and upgrading them into Colleges of Nursing Sciences awarding ND/HND or BNSc degrees.

(b) Digitalization of Services

The Council has moved several services online, including indexing, license renewal, and verification, making it easier for nurses to process applications without unnecessary bureaucracy.

(c) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points

To renew a license, nurses and midwives must now acquire CPD points by attending workshops, seminars, and approved trainings. This ensures constant upgrading of skills.

(d) International Collaboration

The Council works with global bodies like WHO and ICN to align Nigerian nursing education with international standards, making it easier for Nigerian nurses to work abroad.

NMCN and the Nursing & Midwifery Exams

One of the most critical roles of the Council is organizing professional qualifying exams for nursing and midwifery students.

• Frequency: Conducted twice yearly (March and September).
• Format: Combination of written, practical, and oral tests.
• Outcome: Successful candidates are issued a license as Registered Nurses (RN), Registered Midwives (RM), or Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHN), depending on the program completed.

Failure in these exams means the student cannot be licensed, even after completing school training.

Admission Requirements Under NMCN

The NMCN has standardized requirements for all schools under its regulation:

• Five O’Level credits at not more than two sittings in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Minimum age: 17 years at the time of admission.
• JAMB UTME requirement: For Colleges of Nursing and universities, candidates must sit UTME and meet cut-off marks.
• Interview/Screening: Candidates undergo school-specific interviews or screenings.

Common Issues Faced by Nurses and Students with NMCN

1. Licensing Delays – Sometimes renewal or verification takes longer than expected.
2. Accreditation Problems – Students sometimes discover their school has lost accreditation mid-way, putting their training at risk.
3. Exam Anxiety – The professional qualifying exam is strict, and many students retake it multiple times.
4. Awareness Gap – Not all students understand indexing or CPD requirements until late.

The Future of NMCN

The Council has set clear priorities for the coming years:

• 100% transition to Colleges of Nursing Sciences and degree-awarding institutions.
• Greater digital integration of services (e-learning, e-licensing, e-verification).
• Specialization tracks in nursing: pediatric, psychiatric, oncology, geriatric, and health informatics.
• Stronger international recognition to ease migration for Nigerian nurses.

The ultimate goal is to make Nigerian nurses globally competitive while improving healthcare delivery within the country.

Why NMCN Matters

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is not just a regulator — it is the backbone of nursing practice in Nigeria. Without it:

• Nursing education would lack uniform standards.
• Quackery would thrive.
• Nigerian nurses would lose global recognition.
• The profession would stagnate.

By enforcing standards and pushing reforms, the Council ensures that every Nigerian nurse and midwife is equipped to meet the evolving challenges of modern healthcare.

So, is the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria still relevant in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment? Absolutely yes.

From phasing out outdated models of training to ensuring global recognition for Nigerian nurses, the NMCN continues to play a decisive role in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria. For students, this means staying informed about Council policies, meeting requirements, and embracing lifelong learning as the profession evolves.

As healthcare becomes more complex, the NMCN’s mission remains clear: to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified, competent, and ethical nurses and midwives practice in Nigeria.