NMCN Abolishes “Three Strikes” Rule for Nursing Exams, Introduces Flexible Re-Sit Policy
Big relief is here for Nigerian nursing students. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has officially scrapped the long-standing “three strikes and you’re out” rule that disqualified students after failing their professional exam three times.
Starting September 2025, nursing candidates will no longer be forced out of the profession after repeated failures. Instead, the Council has introduced a new, more supportive re-sit policy aimed at helping students succeed without lowering standards.
What’s Changing?
Previously, any student who failed the Council’s professional qualifying examination three times was automatically disqualified from continuing their nursing career. That rule has now been abolished.
Under the new guideline:
- No student will be expelled for failing the exam three times.
- Candidates who fail will only re-sit the specific section they did not pass, not the entire exam.
- Students must remain in school and maintain at least 80% attendance in lectures and clinical postings to qualify for re-sits.
- Every failed attempt will be recorded against the training institution, holding schools accountable for student performance.
This policy gives struggling students a lifeline while also encouraging institutions to provide better academic support.
Why It Matters
The Council says the move is part of a wider mission to promote resilience, lifelong learning, and eliminate quackery in the nursing profession.
For nursing schools, this means adopting new strategies to support weaker students instead of abandoning them. For students, it means the end of a one-size-fits-all punishment system that often cut careers short unfairly.
NMCN emphasizes that Nigeria urgently needs more qualified nurses, and pushing students out after three failed attempts only drains the workforce pipeline.
The Bigger Picture
This decision signals a shift towards fairness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s nursing education system. While discipline, attendance, and commitment remain non-negotiable, students now have more opportunities to succeed without fear of permanent disqualification.
For many, this policy change could be the extra chance needed to finally achieve their dream of becoming a licensed nurse.
You may also like to read: NMCN Releases May 2025 Nursing Exam Results: Over 13,800 Candidates Pass — See What’s Next
