The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria oversees the education, registration, practice, and licensing of nurses and midwives across the country. As the leading regulatory body for these critical healthcare professions in Nigeria, NMCN plays an essential role in ensuring high standards of training, competence, and practice. They are dedicated to promoting excellence and ethics in nursing and midwifery for the benefit of the public.
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse or midwife in Nigeria or want to learn more about these noble professions, NMCN is the place to start. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and how they support nurses, midwives, and patients across Nigeria.
History of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has a long and important history. Established in 1979 by government decree. The NMCN serves to regulate nursing and midwifery education and practice within Nigeria.
The council grew out of a need to organize and improve the nursing and midwifery professions in Nigeria. In the 1960s, nursing education and practice lacked standardization. There were many small private schools producing nurses and midwives with varying levels of competency.
In 1977, the Federal Government established a committee to review nursing and midwifery education in Nigeria. The committee recommended establishing a regulatory body for the professions. In 1979, the NMCN was formed through the NMCN Decree No. 89; the government of Nigeria re-established it as a parastatal by Act Cap. No. 143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Council is headed by the Secretary-General/Registrar, who is assisted by other professional and non-professional staff. They are accountable to a board that reports to the Federal Ministry of Health. Adetoun Bailey was the first registrar of NMCN.
Over the years, the NMCN has helped strengthen and advance nursing and midwifery in Nigeria. It has improved education standards, promoted continuing professional development, and advocated for the professions. The council aims to continue improving healthcare in Nigeria through excellence in nursing and midwifery.
Through regulating the nursing and midwifery professions, the NMCN plays an integral role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. For over 40 years, it has worked to train competent and qualified nurses and midwives to care for Nigeria’s citizens. The council’s history is one of progress and service.
Key Responsibilities & Functions of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
As the regulatory body for nurses and midwives in Nigeria, the NMCN has many important responsibilities. Below are some of their key functions:
Registration and Licensure
The NMCN registers and provides licenses to qualified nurses, midwives, and health visitors in Nigeria. They determine the requirements and standards for education programs.
Conducts Professional Examinations
The NMCN works to ensure high standards of training, education, and practice for nurses and midwives in Nigeria. It sets curriculum standards for nursing and midwifery schools, conducts qualifying exams for professionals, and maintains a register of licensed practitioners.
Practice regulation
The NMCN sets the scope of practice and standards of proficiency for nurses, midwives, and health visitors. They also investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against those who fail to meet the required standards of conduct, competence, and health.
Continuing Professional Development
The council places great emphasis on continuing professional development (CPD) for nurses and midwives. They actively promote the importance of lifelong learning and require members to accumulate a specific number of CPD credits annually to maintain their registration and practice. By doing so, the NMCN ensures that healthcare professionals stay updated with the latest advancements in their field.
Research and Data Collection
The NMCN conducts and commissions research on issues relating to nursing, midwifery, and health visiting. They maintain a database with statistics on the nursing and midwifery workforce in Nigeria, which helps inform health policy and planning.
Accreditation
Accreditation is another significant function of the NMCN. They meticulously accredit nursing and midwifery education programs across Nigeria, striving to ensure that these programs meet the highest standards. Additionally, the council approves foreign nursing and midwifery qualifications, facilitating the practice of international professionals in Nigeria.
Advising Government
Furthermore, the NMCN acts as an advisory body to the Federal Government and other stakeholders. They offer expert recommendations on matters related to nursing and midwifery, including education, practice, regulation, and workforce planning. Their insights contribute to the development of robust healthcare policies and strategies.
The NMCN can Revoke and/or Restore Professional Certificates as applicable. NMCN also conducts registration interviews for Nurses and Midwives trained outside Nigeria who are seeking to practice in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, competence, and continuous professional development of nurses, midwives, and health visitors in Nigeria.
Who is the Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar. As the Registrar, he is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the Council.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of the Registrar include:
- Implementing the policies of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria as directed by the Council.
- Keeping proper records of the proceedings and minutes of the Council.
- Maintaining an up-to-date register of all nurses and midwives licensed to practice in Nigeria.
- Ensuring high standards of nursing and midwifery education and practice are maintained.
- Promoting research in the field of nursing and midwifery.
- Preparing and presenting an annual report on the activities of the Council.
Mr. Faruk Umar Abubakar was reappointed as Secretary-General/Registrar of the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria for a second and final term of four (4) years in 2020.
Category of Nurses registered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) registers four categories of nurses:
Registered Nurse (RN)
This is a graduate nurse from a school of nursing or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science (B.N.Sc.). RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Registered Midwife (RM)
RMs are graduate midwives from a school of midwifery or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery. They provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal period. RMs conduct deliveries and provide prenatal and postnatal care.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs are registered nurses with advanced education (Master’s or Doctorate Degree) and training. NPs can diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries. They also provide preventive care like health screening, counseling, and education. NPs have prescriptive authority and can prescribe medications.
Community Health Nurse
Community Health Nurses promote health and wellness within communities. They have a focus on preventive care, health education, and outreach. CHNs assess community health needs and develop programs and services targeted at groups to improve health outcomes. They provide home care, occupational health services, and school health services.
Others include the following;
- General Nurses
- Mental Health Nurses
- Public Health Nurses
- Orthopedic Nurses
- Nurse Educators
- Public Health Nurse Educator
- Midwife Educators
- Nurse Administrators
- Accident and Emergency Nurses
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Ophthalmic Nurses
- Perioperative Nurses
- Ear, Nose, and throat Nurses
- Intensive Care Nurses
- Cardio-thoracic Nurses
- Burns and Plastic Nurses
- Pediatric Nurses
- Occupational Health Nurses
The NMCN ensures nurses and midwives in Nigeria acquire the necessary training, skills, and experience to competently provide safe healthcare services to the public.
Headquarters and Locations of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria currently has its headquarters located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. In addition to the main headquarters, the council has several zonal offices located throughout the country.
ABUJA
Plot 713, Cadastral Zone, C13 Behind Julius Berger Clinic Life Camp, Gwarimpa, FCT Abuja
(234) 702-923-4588, 08150837364
abujazo@nmcn.gov.ng
Info@nmcngov.ng
LAGOS
No. 8 Harvey Road Behind Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Same Compound with School of Post Basic Psychiatry Yaba, Lagos.
BAUCHI
Old Maiduguri Road Behind Aliko Dangote School of Nursing Science, Bauchi.
ENUGU
No 10B, Amawbia Close, Opposite New Heaven Police Station, Off Sabbath Bus Stop, Enugu State.
YOLA
1st Floor Federal Secretariat, Room 177B, Yola, Adamawa State.
yolazo@nmcn.gov.ng
KADUNA
Federal Government Secretariat 3rd Floor, Room 320-322 Kawo, Kaduna State.
MAIDUGURI
Beside College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damboa Road, Maiduguri, Borno State.
maidugurizo@nmcn.gov.ng
BENIN-CITY
Behind Saxy Petrol Station, Opp. Palm Garden, Off Sapele Road Evboriaria, Benin-City, Edo State
beninzo@nmcn.gov.ng
PORT HARCOURT
No. 6 Railway Close, D/Line, by Garrison Bus Stop, Aba Rd, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
AKURE
1st Floor Sovereign Trust Insurance Building, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State.
akurezo@nmcn.gov.ng
SOKOTO
Shehu Kangiwa State Secretariat Block 4, Suite 3, Room 203 Birnin-Kebbi Road, Sokoto State.
KANO
NANNM House Plot 207 Lawan Danbazau Road, Gandun Albasa, Kano State.
kanozo@nmcn.gov.ng
CALABAR
No. 6, Okoi Aukpo Estate, Off Barracks, Calabar, Cross River State.
IBADAN
Plot 3/4b Commercial Area, Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ring Road Ibadan, Oyo State.
ibadanzo@nmcn.gov.ng
OWERRI
Plot 75 Area A, New Owerri Road, World Bank Estate, Imo State.
owerrizo@nmcn.gov.ng
MARKUDI
Room 6, Second Floor, East Block Wing A, Federal Secretariat, Makurdi, Benue State.
markudizo@nmcn.gov.ng
In addition to the zonal offices, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has examination centers located in all 36 states of Nigeria as well as in the Federal Capital Territory. The locations of zonal offices and examination centers allow the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to carry out its regulatory and administrative functions effectively across all parts of the country.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick overview of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and its role in regulating nursing and midwifery professions in the country. While the organization certainly has its challenges to overcome, its mission is an important one to promote excellence and ethics in the nursing and midwifery professions.