“Release Our Certificates Now”: Young Nigerian Nurses Protest Delayed Certificate Issuance in Lagos and Abuja

Lagos/Abuja, Nigeria – June 1, 2026

Young Nigerian nurses on Monday staged coordinated peaceful protests in Lagos and Abuja, demanding the immediate release of professional registration certificates delayed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

The protest, organised by the Association of Young Nigerian Nurses (AYNN) under the banner “Release Our Certificates Now,” drew attention to a crisis that has affected thousands of nurses who completed their training and passed professional examinations as far back as 2023.

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Although turnout was lower than expected in some locations, the group proceeded with the advocacy campaign and engaged officials of the Council in both Lagos and Abuja.

In Lagos, protesters visited the NMCN Zonal Office, where discussions were held with representatives of the Registrar’s office and senior nursing stakeholders. In Abuja, AYNN members also met with the NMCN Registrar to present concerns over the prolonged delays and their impact on affected nurses.

According to the association, the meetings provided an opportunity to seek clarity on the Council’s plans for resolving the backlog and restoring confidence among young professionals affected by the situation.

Why Thousands of Nurses Are Still Waiting

The certificate delay crisis began after the dissolution of the NMCN governing board in 2023. Without a fully constituted board, the Council reportedly lacked the authority required to sign and authenticate professional certificates.

The situation has since created a growing backlog affecting thousands of qualified nurses across Nigeria.

Speaking to Fellow Nurses Africa, everal affected nurses say the delays have disrupted employment opportunities, career progression, and international relocation plans. Many healthcare employers within and outside Nigeria require official registration certificates and practising licences before offering permanent employment or processing verification requests.

Some nurses also reported financial hardship after losing overseas job opportunities due to incomplete verification processes.

NMCN Registrar Speaks

While addressing protesters in Abuja, the NMCN Registrar acknowledged the frustrations expressed by affected nurses and stated that the Council’s governing board has now been constituted.

According to the Registrar, the board is expected to be inaugurated this month, raising hopes that the long-standing certificate backlog may soon be addressed.

The development was welcomed cautiously by protesters, who said they would continue to monitor progress and advocate for timely action.

Calls for Urgent Resolution

The Association of Young Nigerian Nurses described the protest as part of a broader advocacy effort aimed at protecting the future of young nurses in Nigeria.

The group called on relevant authorities to treat the issue as a matter of urgency, warning that continued delays could further worsen workforce challenges within the nursing profession.

AYNN added that further updates from the engagements with NMCN officials are expected in the coming days, including possible timelines for certificate processing and release.

We will continue to monitor the development and provide updates as they emerge.

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