Date: April 6, 2026 l Reporter: Stephen
Thousands of Nigerian nursing graduates are reportedly stranded and unable to practice their profession as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) continues to withhold certificates for candidates who completed their training as far back as 2023.
The situation, which has sparked outrage among affected graduates, has left many unable to secure employment opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad. According to reports, the delay has persisted for over two years, despite candidates fulfilling all academic and professional requirements necessary for certification.
Affected graduates say the absence of official certification has effectively blocked their entry into the healthcare workforce, forcing many into financial hardship and prolonged unemployment. Some have also reportedly missed international job opportunities due to the inability to provide valid professional credentials.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, which is responsible for regulating nursing education and issuing licenses to qualified practitioners, has yet to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation for the prolonged delay. The lack of transparency has further intensified frustration among graduates and stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
Reports indicate that some of the affected individuals have begun exploring legal action against the regulatory body, seeking redress over what they describe as an unjust and damaging delay that has significantly impacted their careers.
Healthcare advocates have warned that the situation could worsen Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system, as the country continues to face a shortage of trained medical personnel. The inability to deploy qualified nurses into the workforce raises concerns about service delivery in hospitals and other health facilities.
The development has also drawn attention to broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s professional regulatory institutions, with calls growing for urgent reforms, accountability, and improved efficiency in certification processes.
As pressure mounts, affected graduates are urging authorities to act swiftly to resolve the issue, release the withheld certificates, and restore confidence in the country’s nursing regulatory system.