Nigeria’s Nurses and Midwives’ Certificates Portal Reopens After Months of Closure
After months of closure, the Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reopened its portal for verifying nurses and midwives’ certificates. The development comes amid a standoff between the council and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) over the council’s revised guidelines for verifying nursing certificates.
According to reports, the NMCN’s portal became operational again on Saturday, following a series of meetings between critical stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, NMCN, and NANNM. The association had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government to address the long-standing demands of nurses, including the reopening of the Nurses’ Verification Portal, enhanced Nurses’ Salary Structure, and the creation of a Department of Nursing.
The reopening of the portal is a significant development, as hundreds of Nigerian nurses were stranded abroad due to the closure. Many were on the verge of being deported, while others were unable to verify their certificates, which led to their rejection by foreign nursing boards.
Philip Eteng, the National Secretary of Graduate Nurses Association of Nigeria, confirmed that the negotiation between the minister of health and Nigerian nurses and midwives was still ongoing. He stated that the outcome from the first day of the meeting led to the reopening of the portal.
The verification guidelines largely remain the same, except for the addition of a letter of clear standing, which must be obtained from the last nursing institution attended. Nurses who are working must get clearance from the head of nursing service, whereas previously, it was required to get clearance from the Chief Medical Director.
While the portal has reopened, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives is still reviewing the conditions put in the guidelines and is urging nurses to hold on until Wednesday when other minor issues are resolved.
The NMCN’s decision to reopen the portal comes amid concerns over the brain drain in the nation’s health sector. In February 2024, the council expressed worry that over 42,000 nurses left the country in the last three years to seek greener pastures in foreign countries.
The saga started when Nursing boards in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK stopped accepting nursing certificates from Nigeria due to the council’s inability to verify their authenticity. The council’s revised guidelines were introduced to address the crisis, but stakeholders in the health sector raised concerns over the new circular.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has called for the immediate reopening of the portal, enhanced Nurses’ Salary Structure, and the creation of a Department of Nursing. The association is seeking to address the long-standing demands of nurses and prevent an industrial action.
As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian government is under pressure to address the concerns of nurses and prevent a further brain drain in the nation’s health sector. The reopening of the portal is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues affecting the health sector.
