Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (abbr. NMCN), is the sole governing body that regulates all cadres of nurses and midwives in Nigeria.^[1][2] It was established by government decree in 1979, and re-established as a parastatal by the government of Nigeria by Act Cap. No 143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.^[3]

Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria

Agency overview
Formed	1979
Jurisdiction	Federal Government of Nigeria
Headquarters	Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Agency executive	Secretary-General / Registrar
Parent agency	Federal Ministry of Health
Website	https://nmcn.gov.ng

The council maintains standards of practice, and enforces discipline within the Nigerian nursing profession.^[4] It also accredits education in nursing and midwifery, awarding certificates and a diploma in midwifery and nursing after a three years programme.^[5][6] The council is headed by a secretary-general/registrar, who is assisted by other professional and non-professional staff.^[7] They are responsible to a board reporting to the Federal Ministry of Health.^[8][9]

History

Originally founded in 1949 as the Nursing Council of Nigeria, it operated in parallel with the Midwives Board of Nigeria, until a government decree of 1979 which merged the organizations.^[10] The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria was formally established by decree No. 89 of 1979.^[11] Adetoun Bailey was the first registrar.^[12]

Mandate and Functions

NMCN is a Category B parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health, tasked with ensuring quality nursing and midwifery education and practice. Its key functions include:

1. Indexing nursing and midwifery students at programme commencement
2. Developing and reviewing curricula
3. Accrediting education and training institutions
4. Conducting professional examinations
5. Maintaining the register of qualified personnel
6. Issuing and renewing practising licences every three years
7. Organising continuing professional development programmes
8. Enforcing discipline and prosecuting quack institutions
9. Conducting research and advising health policy. ^[13][14]

Governance and Structure

The Council is led by a Secretary-General/Registrar, supported by several departments and zonal officers across Nigeria:

• Education Department
• Inspectorate Department
• Planning, Research & Statistics Department
• Registration, Examination, and Licensing Units
• Zonal Offices^[15][16]

Headquarters and locations

The council has its headquarters in Abuja. Other zonal offices are located in Sokoto, Kaduna, Bauchi, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.^[17]

Notable nurses and midwives

• Onwuegbusi Ethel^[18]
• Kofoworola Abeni Pratt^[19]
• Idowu Philip^[20][21]
• Elfrida O. Adebo^[22][23]
• Veronica Nnaji^[24]
• Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola^[25]
• Grace Ebun Delano^[26]