Posted on: Thu 23-10-2025

NURSING AND MIDWIFERY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA PROHIBITION OF ADMISSION OF LICENSED COMMUNITY MIDWIVES AND LICENSED COMMUNITY NURSES INTO THE OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)NURSING PROGRAMME 

It has come to the attention of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria with credible evidence, that some Universities have been admitting candidates who do not meet the minimum entry qualification requirements into the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Nursing programme. This practice is unacceptable and undermines the academic standards, professional integrity, and reputation of the programme.

2. The Council hereby issues a firm reminder to all institutions offering nursing programmes that the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Nursing Programme is exclusively designed for Registered Nurses who have been duly licensed by the Council. The purpose of this programme is to enable qualified registered nursing professionals to obtain a first degree in Nursing.

3. It is pertinent to emphasize that the Registered Nurse (RN) qualification is the minimum requirement for eligibility into the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Nursing Programme. Licensed Community Midwives (LCM) and Licensed Community Nurses (LCN) are not eligible for admission into ODL Nursing Programme.

4. All institutions approved for ODL Nursing programme are hereby directed to: 

• Admit only Registered Nurses who are duly licensed by the Council.
• Verify all credentials thoroughly before offering admission into ODL Nursing programme.
• Submit list and details of all admitted students into ODL Nursing programme to the Council for verification.

5. The Council relies on your strict compliance and continued support to uphold the integrity and quality of academic and professional training within the Open and Distance Learning Nursing Programme.

6. Kindly bring the content of this circular to the attention of all concerned. 

Thank you for your cooperation in promoting and maintain excellence in nursing education and practice in Nigeria in line with global best practice.

 

Signed

Ndagi Alhassan an, FHAPCNM ,

Registrar/CEO.

 

 

 

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