Hundreds of Nigerian nurses are currently facing a serious crisis abroad due to the ongoing closure of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s (NMCN) certificate verification portal. This issue has left many nurses stranded in countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, and some are even at risk of deportation.

The Verification Crisis

The NMCN’s portal has been closed for an extended period, preventing foreign nursing boards from verifying the authenticity of Nigerian nursing certificates. This problem has led to a halt in the acceptance of these certificates, significantly affecting the careers of Nigerian nurses who had hoped to work or advance their careers abroad.

Despite repeated calls from the National Assembly, which has urged the NMCN to reopen the portal and use the old verification guidelines while an investigation is underway, the council has yet to comply. The most recent development includes a letter from the National Assembly’s Clerk, Mr. Sani Magaji Tambuwal, criticizing the NMCN’s inaction and urging the council to revert to the previous guidelines.

New Guidelines and Their Impact

In February 2024, the NMCN introduced new verification guidelines that require nurses to have at least two years of work experience and pay a non-refundable fee to have their certificates verified. These guidelines also stipulate that verification applications will only be processed if all requirements are met and can take up to six months. The new policy has been met with strong opposition from nurses and health workers, who argue that it imposes unreasonable conditions and delays.

Nurses have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new policy, noting that it effectively blocks their professional progress and infringes on their rights. The requirement for two years of post-qualification experience and the need for letters of good standing from employers and training institutions are seen as excessive hurdles. Many nurses have protested by staging demonstrations and threatening strikes, describing the new guidelines as a significant barrier to their freedom and career advancement.

The Impact on Nurses

The closure of the verification portal has had a severe impact on Nigerian nurses abroad. Many are unable to continue their professional activities or return home because their certificates cannot be verified. The situation is causing significant emotional and financial stress for these healthcare professionals, who had already made substantial investments in their careers.

Efforts to Resolve the Issue

To address the crisis, various groups, including the Graduate Nurses Association of Nigeria (GNAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have been working to resolve the issue. GNAN has formed a coalition with other organizations to negotiate with the NMCN and is hopeful that an agreement can be reached. The NANNM has also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding the immediate reopening of the verification portal and improvements in nurses’ working conditions.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and efforts to address the concerns raised by the nurses. The National Assembly’s resolution for the NMCN to revert to old guidelines and reopen the portal is a critical step towards resolving the issue. However, the delay in implementing these changes continues to affect the lives and careers of Nigerian nurses abroad.