Nursing is a hot topic in Nigeria, or let’s say, the world at large, everyone wants to be in the profession of care, either because of passion, paper (money), prestige, or all of the above. In this part of the world, there are many ways of becoming a nurse, and the “Registered Nurse” address means you’ve been professionally trained to be called a Nurse in Nigeria. But what if you want to be called a Nurse without passing through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria?.
You’re here for one of two reasons, either you’re curious, or you’re desperate, whichever one, I’d advise you don’t jump the paragraphs in this discourse, I purposely didn’t use subheadings, but believe me, this isn’t just a clickbait, it is a piece you will enjoy reading. Now let’s get to it.
Being called a nurse in Nigeria without passing through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) certification is very possible, and if you want to be one, You’re not alone. Across the country, more people are taking this route—some out of desperation, others out of ignorance, and a few because they simply want a shortcut. The nursing profession has become a target for those who see nursing as just another job, not a responsibility. Hospitals, particularly private ones, have taken advantage of this demand by setting up informal training programs, offering an alternative to those who cannot—or do not want to—go through the official process.
The method is simple. A person enrolls in a hospital’s in-house program, receives hands-on training in basic procedures like administering injections, dressing wounds, and assisting doctors, and after a period of apprenticeship, they are given a “graduation certificate” – then being addressed as “nurse.” No formal education, no licensing exams, just a uniform and the title. In some cases, these individuals even secure employment in clinics and pharmacies, blending in with certified professionals. It seems convenient, even practical—until something goes wrong.
Consider the case reported by PUNCH Healthwise [1], where an unskilled drug vendor, commonly referred to as a ‘chemist,’ performed a Caesarean section (C/S) in the northern region of Nigeria for a fee of N20,000. This individual claimed to have acquired auxiliary training at a facility, enabling him to conduct such procedures. Such practices not only endanger lives but also highlight the severe consequences of allowing unqualified individuals to perform medical procedures.
Similarly, in Ondo State, a quack nurse named Nneka Nwosu was arrested following the death of a pregnant woman, Queen Innocent, at her clinic. Nwosu, who had been running a clinic from her residence and presenting herself as a certified nurse, encountered complications during Innocent’s delivery. The victim became unconscious and subsequently passed away, leading to Nwosu’s arrest by the police. These incidents illustrate the real dangers of allowing unqualified individuals to take on roles they are not trained for [2].
A person who has not passed through the NMCN’s rigorous training lacks the foundational knowledge required to practice safely. Nursing is not just about giving injections or following a doctor’s orders; it involves critical thinking, proper patient assessment, and a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Without this knowledge, mistakes are inevitable. The wrong drug administered at the wrong dosage, a miscalculated IV fluid rate, a poorly managed emergency—any of these errors can cost a life. When that happens, the blame does not only fall on the individual but on the entire profession, eroding public trust in nurses, even those who are qualified.
The legal risks are just as serious. Practicing without certification is illegal, and while some hospitals may turn a blind eye, the law does not. If an uncertified nurse is caught in malpractice, they have no protection. Unlike registered nurses who are backed by professional bodies and legal frameworks, quacks are entirely on their own. Even beyond legal implications, career growth is limited. No reputable hospital or international organization will recognize an uncertified nurse, making long-term advancement impossible.
The profession itself suffers when quackery is allowed to thrive. Years of study, rigorous exams, and continuous professional development are what make nursing a respected and trusted field. When anyone can assume the title simply by learning on the job, the value of genuine expertise is diminished. Patients begin to doubt nurses’ competence, leading to a broader crisis of confidence in healthcare services. This is why the fight against quackery is not just about individual careers—it’s about protecting the integrity of the entire nursing profession.
If you have undergone informal hospital training and are now realizing the limitations, the next step is to seek proper certification. It is not too late to do things the right way. Accredited schools offer recognized nursing programs that lead to licensure, and some institutions even provide pathways for those with prior experience in healthcare to transition into official training in Nigeria and abroad. Writing the NMCN exams may seem like a daunting task, but it is the only way to secure a legitimate future in nursing.
Hospitals that operate these unauthorized training programs must also be held accountable. If a hospital is deceiving people into believing they are nurses without proper certification, they are complicit in a system that endangers lives. Reporting such practices is not about ruining opportunities for others but about ensuring that healthcare remains safe, ethical, and professional. Those who genuinely want to be nurses should be encouraged to follow the proper channels rather than be misled into a shortcut that ultimately leads nowhere.
READ ALSO: Pathways to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nigeria
No matter how much experience an uncertified individual gains in a hospital setting, they are not a nurse. The title is not just a name; it represents years of education, testing, and professional commitment. The reality is simple—there are no shortcuts in nursing. If the goal is to build a meaningful career in the profession, then the right path is the only path. Anything else is just an illusion.
By Abdulazeez Badmus
Virtual Assistant
Nursing Conception Initiative (NCI)
Sources cited:
1. PUNCH Healthwise – “Auxiliary nurses’ training fueling quackery in medical profession” https://punchng.com/auxiliary-nurses-training-fueling-quackery-in-medical-profession/
2. Vanguard – “Police in Ondo arrest quack nurse over pregnant woman’s death” https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/police-in-ondo-arrests-quack-nurse-over-pregnant-womans-death/
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