The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has issued a directive that has sparked controversy in the country’s education sector. The council has instructed institutions offering nursing programs to accept Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) certificates as valid entry qualifications, alongside West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) certificates.
According to the circular signed by Ndagri Hassan, the Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, SAISSCE certificates are recognized and acceptable qualifications for admission into nursing programs. This directive is consistent with the Federal Government’s approvals and the National Council on Education’s (NCE) approval of SAISSCE in February 2011.
The directive emphasizes the need for inclusivity in nursing education, ensuring that candidates presenting SAISSCE certificates are given due consideration for admission based on specific program requirements. Institutions are expected to comply with the directive and bring it to the attention of all concerned. The Nursing Council’s decision aims to promote excellence in nursing education and practice in Nigeria, aligning with global best practices.
However, not everyone is pleased with the directive. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns, arguing that accepting Islamic school results for admission instead of WAEC or NECO undermines Nigeria’s secular ethos. “This is wrong,” a stakeholder lamented, suggesting that the move may exacerbate regional educational disparities and favor northern states where SAISSCE is more prevalent.
Several institutions have already begun accepting SAISSCE certificates for admission into nursing programs. These include:
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria: Recognizes NBAIS/SAISSCE results for admission into its nursing program, provided all UTME and subject requirements are met.
- Bayero University, Kano (BUK): Considers qualified SAISSCE holders for its Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, including Nursing Science.
- University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID): Accepts SAISSCE as a valid qualification for nursing and health-related undergraduate courses.
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS): Admits candidates with SAISSCE for nursing and medical programs.
- Sokoto State University: Recognizes the certificate under its admission criteria for nursing and allied health courses.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is committed to promoting and maintaining excellence in nursing education and practice. The council’s directive on SAISSCE certificates is part of its efforts to standardize entry qualifications into nursing and midwifery education, ensuring that all recognized national certificates are given equal opportunity within the healthcare training system.
While the directive presents opportunities for students with SAISSCE certificates to pursue nursing careers, it also raises questions about the balance between inclusivity and secularism in Nigeria’s education system. As the debate continues, one thing is certain – the Nursing Council’s decision will have implications for the country’s healthcare sector and education landscape.
The NMCN’s directive on SAISSCE certificates has sparked a national conversation about the role of Islamic education in Nigeria’s secular system. As stakeholders weigh in on the issue, the Nursing Council remains committed to promoting excellence in nursing education and practice. With several institutions already accepting SAISSCE certificates, it remains to be seen how this directive will shape the future of nursing education in Nigeria.
