London, UK – The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of the United Kingdom has indicted 1,238 Nigerian nurses and midwives in connection with a widespread exam fraud scandal linked to the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In an exclusive email correspondence, the NMC disclosed that a total of 1,955 Nigerian professionals were affected, having taken their Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the now-controversial centre. Of these, 717 nurses and midwives are currently under investigation.
Nurses Ordered to Leave the UK
The UK Home Office has already begun revoking the visas of some affected Nigerian nurses, ordering them to leave the country while awaiting the outcome of their appeals.
The investigation began in 2023 when the NMC flagged suspicious data from the Ibadan centre, showing that some candidates were completing their CBT in record time—a pattern deemed statistically improbable.
Breakdown of Those Affected
The NMC identified four categories of professionals impacted by the fraud concerns:
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Registered professionals who allegedly obtained fraudulent results – 48
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Applicants seeking registration with suspected fraudulent results – 669
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Registered professionals whose CBT was invalidated but not accused of fraud – 467
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Applicants whose CBT was invalidated but lacked sufficient evidence of fraud – 771
The council noted that test patterns at Yunnik differed significantly from other centres in Nigeria and globally, raising concerns about mass cheating at the Ibadan centre.
Opportunity for Revalidation and Appeal
The NMC stated that all affected individuals would have the opportunity to retake their CBT at no cost, with the exam provider Pearson VUE covering the fees.
However, for those in groups one and two, retaking the exam does not guarantee remaining on or joining the UK nursing register. These individuals must also undergo further scrutiny, including an independent fraudulent entry hearing or a review of their character and integrity.
So far, the NMC has processed 202 applications from those under investigation:
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183 applications were rejected for failing to meet character requirements
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9 were approved
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9 appeals were concluded, with 3 being successful and 6 dismissed
Harsh Consequences for Convicted Nurses
Since hearings began in March 2024, 12 nurses have faced fraudulent entry hearings:
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10 were removed from the UK register
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2 were cleared and allowed to continue practising
The NMC assured that cases are being resolved swiftly and fairly, with support measures in place for affected individuals, including legal representation and mental health services.
Mass Exodus of Nigerian Health Workers
The scandal comes amid an ongoing mass migration of Nigerian health professionals. According to Faruk Abubakar, former Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, over 15,000 nurses left the country in 2023 alone.
Between 2017 and 2022, 57,000 Nigerian nurses reportedly moved abroad for better opportunities. As of August 2024, 13,656 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives were practising in the UK.
With the UK cracking down on fraudulent applications, Nigerian health workers looking to relocate may now face stricter scrutiny in their bid to seek greener pastures abroad.
