Hundreds of Nigerian nurses have sanctions in the UK on exam fraud; More than 700 others investigated

The Nursing and Midwife Council (NMC) also examined 717 others, which brought the total number of individuals affected to 1955. About 1,238 Nigerian nurses in the UK are facing disciplinary actions on the allegations of exam fraud linked to the Yunnik Test Center in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Nurse and Obstetric Council (NMC) also examined 717 others, which brought the total number of individuals affected to 1955. The scandal has emerged after the NMC identified irregularities in the computer -based test (CBT), a requirement for foreign trained nurses seeking the UK registration. Investigators marked concerns about the speed at which some candidates completed the exam, which led to the suspicion of fraudulent activities. As a result, some of the nurses affected by the British home office recalled their visas and they faced deportation. The Nursing Times reported that several have already been removed from the professional register, while others appeal their business. The NMC broke down the numbers, the NMC explained: “48 professionals on the register reached their CBT at a time when we believe is more likely than indicating that they have gained their result fraudulently. 669 applicants who wanted to join the register, also in this category. 467 professionals in the register made their tests invalid.” To solve the situation, the NMC gave the individuals involved the opportunity to regain the CBT free of charge through Pearson Vue. However, the council made clear that the passing of the retest would not guarantee the reinstatement or automatic approval of pending applications. Those convicted of fraud will face disciplinary hearings before an independent panel, which will determine whether they should remain on the register. Meanwhile, applicants whose CBT results are invalid must re -record the test before their applications can be reconsidered. So far, 202 cases have been revised, which has led to 183 applications for applications due to character problems. Only nine applications were approved, while six of the nine appeal cases were rejected. Since March 2024, the NMC has held 12 fraudulent admission hearings, which led to the removal of ten nurses from the register, while two of any offense were cleared. The council assured the individuals involved that he was working to solve matters as quickly as possible and provided support to those struggling with the process. This controversy unfolds amid a surge in the migration of Nigerian health care staff. Former Registrar of the Nurse and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar, recently revealed that more than 15,000 nurses and midwives left Nigeria alone in 2023. Over the past three years, 42,000 Nigerian nurses have moved abroad. Despite these challenges, official records from August 2024 indicate that 13,656 Nigerian trained nurses and midwives are currently practicing in the United Kingdom.