The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has stirred controversy with its recent announcement of revised guidelines for nurses seeking to practice abroad. According to the new regulations, nurses must possess a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience after receiving their permanent practicing license to be eligible for overseas practice.
The revised guidelines, signed by NMCN Registrar Dr. Faruk Abubakar, also require applicants to have an active practicing license valid for at least six months beyond the application date. Additionally, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee and provide a Letter of Good Standing from their workplace and last nursing training institution.
While these measures aim to improve nursing education and practice in line with global standards, they have sparked outrage among nurses and healthcare workers. Many view the requirement for two years of experience as overly restrictive, hindering career opportunities for nurses seeking to explore new horizons.
Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism directed at the NMCN, with many expressing frustration and condemning the regulations as an infringement on basic human rights. Nurses argue that the stringent requirements are unreasonable, especially considering the challenges they face in their profession, including low salaries and lack of opportunities for career advancement.
The controversy surrounding the NMCN’s guidelines underscores broader concerns within the nursing community about the state of the profession in Nigeria. Nurses and healthcare workers are calling for greater advocacy and support from regulatory bodies to address issues such as inadequate compensation and opportunities for professional development.
As the debate continues, nurses are urging the Nigerian government to intervene and reconsider the stringent requirements imposed by the NMCN. They emphasize the need for policies that promote nurses’ welfare and enable them to pursue career opportunities both domestically and internationally, without unnecessary barriers.
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