Nurses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are voicing their discontent with the recent verification certification guidelines released by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
In a proactive move, the nurses took to the streets, marching to the headquarters of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives in Abuja.
Their protest underscores their perception that the new guidelines infringe upon their rights and could impede their pursuit of better job opportunities.
During the protest, the Registrar of the Council, Faruk Abubakar, addressed the nurses, providing reassurance that their concerns would be promptly addressed.
The nurses’ grievances center around what they perceive as an unjust restriction, hindering their ability to explore improved career prospects.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, acting within its legal mandate, issued a circular on February 7th, 2024, revising the guidelines for requesting the verification of certificates for nurses and midwives.
The Council, mandated by law to regulate the standards of nursing and midwifery education and practice in Nigeria, periodically reviews these standards to adapt to the evolving health needs of society.
The unfolding situation reflects a clash between regulatory measures and the professional aspirations of nurses, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure both compliance with standards and the facilitation of career growth for healthcare professionals.