The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has released a new policy restricting candidates who are pregnant or recently delivered from sitting for professional examinations close to their expected date of delivery.
In the circular dated September 30, 2025, and signed by Registrar and CEO, Alhassan Ndagi, the Council emphasized that the decision was made to protect the health, safety, and overall well-being of all nursing candidates, while maintaining the credibility and serenity of examination environments nationwide.
NMCN Concern Over Risks During Exams
According to the Council, several cases have been reported where pregnant candidates went into labour during examinations, while others who wrote shortly after childbirth suffered significant physical exhaustion and distress.
“These occurrences pose avoidable health and safety risks to candidates and cause disruptions within examination halls,” the circular stated.
New Guidelines for Exam Participation
To prevent such incidents, the NMCN outlined specific directives for all training institutions and candidates:
– Candidates whose Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) falls within four weeks of the examination are strongly advised not to register or sit for the exams.
– Postpartum candidates must submit a medical fitness certificate or formally apply for deferment.
– Deferment applications will not attract penalties for either the candidate or the institution.
– Training institutions must ensure emergency medical equipment and response teams are available during exams.
– Candidates who violate the policy will have their results cancelled, and the attempt will be recorded against both the candidate and the institution.
The Council reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair participation while prioritizing life and safety, stating that protecting the welfare of candidates outweighs the need for immediate examination attendance.
Commitment to Global Best Practices
The NMCN concluded the circular by urging institutions and examination bodies to ensure strict compliance.
“Thank you for your cooperation in promoting and maintaining excellence in nursing education and practice in Nigeria in line with global best practice,” the Registrar said.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
