The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of the United Kingdom has upheld the removal of 10 Nigerian nurses from its register after an independent panel found them guilty of fraudulent entry linked to the controversial exam scandal at the Yunnik test centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the Punch, the NMC, which has been investigating the matter since 2023, revealed that a total of 1,238 Nigerian nurses and midwives have been indicted in the scandal, while 717 are still under investigation.
The council stated that the exam fraud concerns at Yunnik Technologies Test Centre affected 1,955 Nigerian professionals who took their Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the centre.
“Since the hearings started in March 2024, 12 registrants have had a fraudulent entry hearing outcome. Of those, 10 have been removed from the register after fraud was found proved by an independent panel, and two people have been allowed to remain on the register after the panel found fraudulent entry was not proved,” the NMC disclosed.
The scandal, which was uncovered following unusual data patterns from the Yunnik test centre, showed that many candidates completed their CBT in record time, raising suspicions of widespread fraud. The CBT is a crucial component of the test of competence required for foreign-trained nurses seeking to practice in the UK.
The council further explained the categories of affected professionals, stating, “Professionals on the register, who achieved their CBT in a time we believe is more likely than not to indicate that they obtained their result fraudulently (48). Applicants wishing to join the register, who achieved their CBT in a time we believe is more likely than not to indicate that they obtained their result fraudulently (669).”
The NMC emphasized that all affected individuals would have the opportunity to retake a valid CBT at no cost, as Pearson VUE, the test provider, would cover the candidate exam fee. However, those found guilty of fraudulent entry would not be guaranteed retention on the register.
“Those registrants in group one were referred to an Independent Panel to consider the concerns under our ‘fraudulent entry’ process. Those applicants in group two are, upon obtaining a new CBT and demonstrating that they have met all other requirements, having their applications reviewed by an Assistant Registrar,” the council stated.
On the fate of affected applicants, the NMC noted that 202 applications have been considered so far, with 183 refusals based on character requirements. Only nine applications have been approved. Additionally, of the nine appeals reviewed, three were allowed, while six were dismissed.
The regulatory body assured that it was prioritizing the resolution of cases as swiftly as possible. “We have a dedicated team in place to progress cases. Where possible, we continue to schedule hearings sooner for individuals who tell us about extenuating circumstances.
“We understand that being involved in our regulatory processes can be distressing for people, and we are currently working to better understand this impact so that we can find more ways to support people,” it stated.
The council also highlighted efforts to support affected nurses, including collaboration with the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK and various unions to provide clear and consistent information. It also extended its Careline service to those involved in the investigation, offering independent emotional and practical support 24/7.
Meanwhile, the mass migration of Nigerian healthcare workers, especially nurses and midwives, continues to raise concerns.
Former Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar, disclosed that over 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country in 2023 alone. “In the last three years, 42,000 nurses have migrated abroad, and the number keeps increasing every year,” Abubakar noted.
Similarly, the former President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Michael Nnachi, previously revealed that between 2017 and 2022, over 57,000 Nigerian nurses left the country in search of better opportunities.
