The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of the United Kingdom has launched a large-scale investigation into 1,955 Nigerian nurses accused of participating in exam fraud during the NMC’s competency assessments, which foreign-trained healthcare professionals must pass to work in the UK.
The investigation follows reports of widespread malpractice, including the use of unauthorized materials and attempts to bypass exam security systems.
The NMC has stated that it is working closely with Nigerian authorities to identify the nurses involved in the fraudulent activities. Several nurses have already had their eligibility to practice in the UK suspended while the investigation continues. In response, the Nigerian government has pledged to cooperate fully with the NMC, assuring that anyone found guilty of involvement in the fraud will face appropriate legal consequences.
The NMC has assured the public that it is taking all necessary steps to protect the integrity of the healthcare recruitment process, with plans to introduce stricter security protocols and more rigorous screening processes for overseas-trained applicants. This investigation has sparked debate within Nigeria regarding the standards of healthcare training, with some calling for stronger oversight of educational institutions and regulatory bodies to prevent future incidents.