Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Introduces Reforms to Address Healthcare Staff Shortages
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has launched several intervention initiatives to tackle the critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in Nigeria, particularly in primary healthcare (PHC) and remote areas. These programs, outlined in a recent circular by the council, aim to enhance healthcare services, particularly in maternal and infant health.
The council’s interventions focus on ensuring the availability of nurses and midwives round-the-clock at the PHC level across Nigeria. They are part of a broader strategy to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in the country. Key interventions include extending the admission deadline for the Basic Midwifery Programme until March 2025, providing more time for eligible candidates to apply.
Additionally, the council has decided to discontinue the admission of two streams in the ND/HND Nursing program starting May 2024 due to capacity constraints. Colleges of Nursing Sciences commencing admissions into the General Nursing program from May 2024 are allowed to complete the process by April 30, 2024. Furthermore, colleges offering Basic Midwifery programs can now admit up to one hundred (100) students annually, with admissions exclusively scheduled in March, until March 2025.
Colleges with approved ND/HND Nursing programs can admit sixty (60) candidates annually into Post Basic General Nursing and Midwifery programs, with admissions in May and September, respectively. Community Nursing and Community Midwifery programs will also continue, ensuring a holistic approach to nursing education.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria reiterates its commitment to continually assess and address the changing needs of nursing education and practice. The council encourages proprietors and stakeholders to embrace these reforms, promoting excellence in Nursing education and practice in Nigeria, in line with global standards.
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