Nigerian nurses in UK, US forced back home + reason
The sudden deactivation of the verification portal by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in February has thrown countless Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad into turmoil. The closure of the portal has created significant challenges, preventing healthcare workers from renewing their licenses and meeting regulatory requirements set by international bodies.
Many nurses working in the United Kingdom and the United States have been forced to return to Nigeria due to the inability to complete the necessary verification. The situation has left many without proper documentation, violating visa conditions and employment laws, leading to legal consequences for those affected.
One nurse, who chose to remain anonymous, recalled how his excitement at joining a prestigious UK healthcare organisation quickly turned into a nightmare. After completing a series of exams and document checks, the only step left was to get his verification pin from the NMCN. However, with the portal deactivated, his employment was terminated, and he was forced to return to Nigeria.
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Another nurse, identified as Ovie, who relocated to the UK in February 2024 for a nursing top-up programme, explained that the suspension of the verification process had made it impossible to secure part-time employment to support her studies. As her student visa nears expiration, she faces the risk of deportation without the necessary verification to become a registered nurse.
Similar stories emerged from other affected nurses, including one based in Saudi Arabia and another who could not sit for her Computer-Based Test (CBT)due to the portal’s closure. The inability to complete the verification process has left many nurses in limbo, uncertain about their future.
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Michael Nnachi, said the association had engaged the government to resolve the issue. He urged nurses to remain patient, expressing hope that the portal would be reopened soon. The Deputy National President, Abubakar Shehu, also expressed frustration at the delay, emphasising the detrimental impact the closure has had on nurses seeking employment abroad.
While the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has remained silent on the issue, its registrar assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to resolve the problem and reopen the portal.
Civil society organisations have also weighed in on the issue, criticising the government for limiting opportunities for Nigerian professionals abroad.
Cc: News Express
