The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reopened its verification portal, resolving a months-long disruption that caused significant hardship for Nigerian healthcare professionals seeking employment abroad.
The portal, a critical tool for verifying the credentials of nurses and midwives, had been unexpectedly closed, leaving many professionals in limbo. The closure sparked protests and even legal challenges, with some nurses facing deportation or employment loss due to their inability to provide the necessary verification.
The NMCN announced the portal’s reopening on Friday, stating, “Good news, verification requests are back online.” This development has brought relief to countless nurses and midwives who were anxiously awaiting the resolution of the issue. Outlined by the Punch.
The portal closure had far-reaching consequences, particularly for those working in the United Kingdom and the United States. Many nurses found themselves in violation of visa conditions and employment laws due to the lack of verification, leading to legal repercussions and forced returns to Nigeria. Our correspondent confirmed linked has open for the nurse’s verification.
While the NMCN has not officially commented on the reasons behind the initial closure, some officials have linked it to the Nigerian government’s efforts to curb the emigration of healthcare workers. The country faces a significant shortage of nurses and midwives, and the government is actively seeking ways to retain its healthcare workforce.
The reopening of the verification portal marks a positive step towards resolving the challenges faced by Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking international employment. It is expected to streamline the verification process and reduce the disruptions experienced by healthcare professionals in recent months.
