Nigerian Doctor Accuses Nursing Council of Holding Nurses Hostage

 

Dr. Olufunmilayo, a prominent Nigerian doctor, has publicly criticized the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for allegedly obstructing the license verification process for nurses seeking to work abroad. In a recent post on X, Dr. Olufunmilayo denounced the NMCN for what he described as a form of “professional imprisonment” that prevents Nigerian nurses from relocating to other countries for employment.

Dr. Olufunmilayo claimed that many nurses in Nigeria are unable to move overseas for work due to the NMCN’s refusal to verify their licenses—a necessary step for securing employment in foreign countries. He also highlighted that nurses who are already working abroad but wish to relocate to different countries are similarly affected, facing job losses due to the inability to obtain necessary certifications from the NMCN.

“This decision by the NMCN effectively traps nurses in their current locations, whether they are in Nigeria or abroad,” Dr. Olufunmilayo wrote. “It is a form of professional hostage-taking that undermines their career opportunities and well-being.”

He further criticized the NMCN’s approach, suggesting that it exacerbates the issues faced by overworked and underpaid nurses in Nigeria. “Instead of addressing the root causes of why nurses want to leave—such as poor working conditions and inadequate compensation—the NMCN is choosing to hold them back,” he said. “This not only affects the nurses but also the quality of care provided to patients.”

Dr. Olufunmilayo’s comments reflect growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. He urged for a more constructive approach to addressing the issues within the Nigerian healthcare system, advocating for improvements that would retain talent and enhance the working environment for medical professionals.

The NMCN has yet to respond to the allegations made by Dr. Olufunmilayo, but his statements have sparked a significant discussion about the treatment of nurses and the broader implications for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.