The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has introduced major changes to Public Health Nursing training and examinations.
The directive was issued on 16 January 2026 after a review of recent candidate performance.
Public Health Nursing Professional Examinations will no longer take place on the same day as General and other Post Basic Nursing Professional Examinations.
Starting immediately, Public Health exams will be held on the second Tuesday of May and November each year.
General and other Post Basic exams will remain on the first Tuesday of those months.
The Council said the separation gives Public Health candidates more focused preparation time.
From 2027, all Post Basic Nursing Professional Examinations will be conducted once a year.
Training institutions offering Public Health Nursing must now obtain the latest approved curriculum directly from the Council or its zonal offices.
Use of outdated or unofficial curricula is prohibited.
Schools must provide recommended textbooks and practical resources.
They must also create and follow a comprehensive timetable covering the full curriculum.
Only students meeting required attendance criteria will be cleared to sit professional examinations.
The Council emphasised that success depends on access to the correct curriculum, proper materials and effective practical training.
Provosts, deans, heads of department and programme coordinators have been told to implement the changes urgently.
The circular was signed by the NMCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
It applies to all universities, colleges of nursing sciences and accredited institutions nationwide.
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