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Nursing And Midwifery Council Portal Closure Leaves Nigerian Nurses Stranded, Unable to Pursue Overseas Opportunities

Published

3 months ago

August 17, 2024

Admin

The NMCN portal is a critical platform for nurses practising in Nigeria to get registered and be verified as qualified medical practitioners.

Hundreds of Nigerian nurses are currently stranded due to the continued closure of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) portal.

It was learned that the leadership of the NMCN closed the portal in February 2024 and this has brought the verification process for new nurses to a grinding halt, leaving many in limbo.

The NMCN portal is a critical platform for nurses practising in Nigeria to get registered and be verified as qualified medical practitioners.

The issue started on December 22, 2023 when the Registrar of NMCN ordered the immediate closure of the portal without providing any justification.

“I am directed to by the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to inform you to close the verification application portal by 4.00pm today being 22 December, 2023.

“Please note that notice for re-opening of the verification portal will be communicated to you in due course,” a press statement issued to that effect read.

The Nigerian Nursing Council’s online portal was reopened on February 7, 2024, following widespread outrage from affected nurses and intervention by the Ministry of Health.

In an unexpected turn of events, the NMCN authorities suspended the portal’s operations once more on February 27, 2024, attributing their decision to a directive from the House of Representatives. The future reopening date of the portal remains uncertain.

Media gathered that the closure of the portal has left many nurses frustrated and uncertain about their future plans.

As it stands, nurses, particularly new graduates, cannot work as professionals abroad because employers cannot verify their credentials due to the portal closure.

“Nigerian nurses are unable to travel out because NMCN portal is closed and new nurses can’t be verified. It’s from the same page that you will request for verification of your licence if you need to work or study overseas.

“So, nurses in Nigeria, both old and new cannot seek international education/work that requires verification,” one of the affected nurses revealed.

Another nurse said: “I know a man who had a job offer in Alberta, they took their offer back because he couldn’t verify his licence that he is truly a nurse (due to the portal closure).

“What it even means is you cannot verify that a nurse is not a quack in Nigeria as we speak.

“If you go on the UK NMC website, you can type in a nurse’s name and you will immediately see if they are registered or not, that’s verification in one word. If I need to work in Australia, I need to verify with the Australia board that I am a nurse, I just log in to my NMC page and download the verification document. Simple.”

“But Nigeria is now using the closure to restrict people from seeking employment or grant or work,” the nurse added.

Despite numerous attempts by media to reach Dr. Faruk Abubakar, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), for his comments, he remained unavailable. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, and messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp have yet to receive a response.

News

Acting COAS Oluyede Commits To Achieving Lasting Peace In Nigerian

Published

36 minutes ago

November 27, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigerians of his commitment to achieving lasting peace across the nation if confirmed in a substantive capacity.

Oluyede stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

Addressing the committee, Oluyede emphasized the importance of collective efforts in tackling the country’s security challenges, and noted that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring peace. He also highlighted the necessity for robust alliances with neighboring countries and strengthened collaboration among security agencies.

He said: “I am honored this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts, and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria.

“I humbly appear before you today to be confirmed as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. This opportunity has arisen due to the tragic passing of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, after a brief illness.”

Oluyede recounted his recent appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff, explaining that it was initially intended to be temporary.

“Before his passing, I had been appointed by Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to act in his place, pending his expected full recovery and resumption of duty. Following Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s demise and state funeral on 15 November 2024, Mr. President, in his wisdom, deemed me worthy to fully continue the excellent work being done by the Army, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly,” he said.

With over 30 years of service in the Nigerian Army, Oluyede assured the committee of his preparedness for the role.

“My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession has prepared me adequately for this assignment. In the past five years, I have operated at senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army, gaining insight into its overall functioning,” he stated.

Acknowledging both the achievements and setbacks of the Army in recent years, the Acting COAS pledged to lead with a vision for positive change if confirmed; this is as he underscored the need for unity in addressing Nigeria’s security issues.

“I see my nomination as a privileged opportunity to bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army, enabling it to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. If confirmed, I promise to justify the confidence reposed in me by Mr. President, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian people.

“The security environment in which we find ourselves as a nation requires a united effort from every Nigerian. We also need strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with our neighbors and enhanced collaboration among security agencies,” he said.

He commended President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in creating a secure environment conducive to socioeconomic development, and stressed the importance of tactical air support for the Army.

“Aircrafts have different strata of employment. The air support we require as an army is at the tactical level, where aircraft are readily available during combat operations. The Air Force, being the main player in this sphere, provides strategic cover. We need tactical aircraft and an air wing to support our operations effectively,” he explained.

Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to fostering cooperation among the Armed Forces, noting that such synergy is essential for improving security and promoting socioeconomic development.

“There is already robust cooperation between the Armed Forces, and I intend to enhance this to ensure better outcomes for Nigeria,” he added.

During the screening, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, addressed the evolving security challenges facing Nigeria.

He said: “Our country continues to grapple with an evolving spectrum of security threats, ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes and cyber threats. For over a decade, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, launching numerous operations and providing vital support to internal security efforts,” Benson said.

He commended the Armed Forces for their recent successes, and acknowledged the need for sustained efforts to achieve peace.

“It is clear that more work remains to be done to achieve sustainable peace across all regions of the country,” he said.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of adopting innovative strategies to address modern security threats.

“The current dynamics of global security demand innovative and adaptive strategies. Threats are no longer confined to traditional battlefields; they now extend to cyberspace, economic domains, and even the socio-political fabric of nations. We must prioritize a forward-looking approach to national defense, ensuring that our military is well-equipped and adequately trained to address both conventional and emerging threats,” he stated.

The chairman further highlighted the role of the National Assembly in supporting the Armed Forces.

“Our task today is not only to assess the qualifications and vision of the nominee for Chief of Army Staff but also to establish a collaborative roadmap for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. As partners in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria, we remain steadfast in our commitment to legislative oversight and support for the Armed Forces,” he said.

Benson also assured the committee’s dedication to ensuring accountability and transparency in military operations.

“We will continue to provide the necessary legal frameworks, advocate for adequate funding, and monitor the implementation of appropriations. The position of Chief of Army Staff carries immense responsibility, and the individual in this role must lead with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the protection of lives and property,” he noted.

He therefore urged Oluyede to foster synergy among security agencies and prioritize the welfare of troops.

“If confirmed, you will be expected to foster synergy among security agencies, prioritize the welfare of troops, and uphold the trust of Nigerians. This committee will ask questions that reflect the concerns of our constituents and the nation. We urge you to provide comprehensive and candid responses to guide our deliberations,” Benson said.

Rep. Benson expressed optimism about Oluyede’s potential contributions to national security.

“Your role is pivotal in Nigeria’s journey toward lasting peace and stability. We look forward to working with you to achieve this goal,” he said.

The outcome of the screening exercise will be reviewed and presented to the House during plenary on Thursday.

News

Court fix Dec 10 to decide ex-Gov Bello’s bail

Published

5 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Maitama on Wednesday remanded the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Trial Justice Maryann Anenih ordered that he should remain with the anti-graft agency till December 10, when the court will rule on his application for bail.

Equally remanded in custody were Bello’s two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

The defendants had pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge the EFCC preferred against them.

EFCC had specifically urged the court to deny the former governor bail.

The agency, through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that Bello, who is the 1st defendant in the matter, repeatedly refused to make himself available for trial.

It told the court that several efforts to secure his presence before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where he is facing another charge, proved abortive.

Consequently, the Commission opposed a bail application that Bello filed through his legal team that was led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN.

Daudu, SAN, had after the former governor and his two co-defendants—Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge the anti-graft agency preferred against them, drew the attention of the court to a bail application his client filed on November 22.

In the application he predicated on six grounds, the former governor argued that he enjoys the presumption of innocence under the law.

News

Port Harcourt Refinery operations will tackle fuel scarcity – Reps

Published

5 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, has emphasized the significant impact of the Port Harcourt refinery’s commencement of operations, describing it as a major step towards resolving fuel scarcity in Nigeria and improving the lives of its citizens.

Hon. Okojie commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, for their commitment and efforts in actualizing the project. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, he stated:

“We are thrilled to express our appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the Port Harcourt Refinery commences production.

We are grateful to them for making this project a reality. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy independence and economic growth. Their contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector will have a lasting impact on the country’s economic development.*

“We commend President Tinubu’s leadership and vision, as well as Mele Kyari’s dedication and expertise, in driving this transformative project forward. Their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s refining capabilities is truly commendable. This is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of all stakeholders involved.”

Representing Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State, Hon. Okojie pledged his commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. He assured that legislators are determined to tackle challenges in the sector for the nation’s benefit and citizens’ welfare.

Backing President Tinubu’s policies for the development of the oil and gas sector, Hon. Okojie expressed confidence in the administration’s plans for economic prosperity and infrastructure development. He also assured that the House Committee would continue to provide the legislative support necessary to advance the sector.