Thousands of Nigerian nursing graduates are facing an uncertain future following prolonged delays in the issuance and signing of professional certificates by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), a development that has triggered plans for nationwide protests across the country.
Reports indicate that many affected graduates have been unable to secure employment, pursue further studies, or complete international verification processes due to the certificate backlog, leaving thousands of qualified professionals stranded despite successfully completing their training and examinations.
The aggrieved nurses have accused the regulatory body of administrative inefficiency and neglect, arguing that the delays have denied them opportunities to begin their professional careers and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector. Some graduates reportedly waited months without receiving the documentation required for employment and professional practice.
The situation has renewed concerns about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, which continues to grapple with shortages of skilled personnel, poor working conditions, and the growing migration of healthcare professionals abroad. Stakeholders within the profession argue that bureaucratic bottlenecks are worsening the challenges facing young healthcare workers and undermining efforts to strengthen the country’s health system.
Affected graduates are demanding the immediate release of withheld certificates, greater transparency in the certification process, and comprehensive reforms to prevent future delays. They have also called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intervene urgently to address what they describe as a growing professional and welfare crisis.
As frustration mounts, nursing advocates warn that continued inaction could trigger widespread protests and further disruptions within the health sector. At the time of filing this report, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria had not publicly responded to the latest complaints by affected graduates.
