Battle for Nursing Education Reforms: N&MCN Restrictions Hit ODL Nursing Programmes in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria (Fellow Nurses Africa) — 10:52 AM BST, Wednesday, 22 October 2025 —
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN) has introduced stringent eligibility rules for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) nursing degree programmes, limiting access exclusively to Registered Nurses (RNs). The policy, detailed in a circular issued today and signed by Registrar/CEO Ndagi Alhassan, explicitly excludes Licensed Community Midwives (LCMs) and Licensed Community Nurses (LCNs) from enrolling, sparking a fresh battle over nursing education reforms in the country.
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The N&MCN cited “credible evidence” of unqualified admissions undermining academic standards and professional integrity as the driving force behind the decision. ODL programmes, it clarified, are designed solely for licensed RNs seeking to obtain a first degree in nursing. Institutions, including universities and colleges, must now rigorously verify applicants’ credentials and submit lists of admitted students to the council for approval.
The directive comes amid recent reports of some Nigerian universities accepting LCN and LCM qualifications for direct entry into nursing programmes. Admissions guides for the 2025 cycle, including those from institutions like the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Ahmadu Bello University, have listed direct entry options for nursing, typically requiring RN registration alongside qualifications like ND or HND.
Nurse leaders have long criticised perceived laxity in admissions processes. In statements from late 2024 and early 2025, representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) warned that diluting RN standards risks compromising patient care amid Nigeria’s chronic nursing shortages. The policy aims to address these concerns, but it has reignited debates over career progression for community health workers, many of whom see ODL as a vital route to advancement.
The restrictions apply nationwide and take effect immediately. The N&MCN has urged all stakeholders to comply to uphold excellence in nursing education. As institutions adjust, the tension between maintaining standards and expanding access promises to shape the future of Nigeria’s nursing workforce.
Fellow Nurses Africa will continue to monitor developments and the responses from affected institutions and practitioners.
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