The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (abbr. NMCN), is the sole governing body that regulates all cadres of nurses and midwives in Nigeria. [1] [2] It was established by government decree in 1979, and re-established as a parastatal by the government of Nigeria by Act Cap. No 143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. [3] [4]
The council maintains standards of practice, and enforces discipline within the Nigerian nursing profession. [5] It also accredits education in nursing and midwifery, awarding certificates and a diploma in midwifery and nursing after a three year programme. [6] [7] The council is headed by a secretary-general/registrar, who is assisted by other professional and non-professional staff. [8] They are responsible to a board reporting to the Federal Ministry of Health. [9] [10]
Originally founded in 1949 as the Nursing Council of Nigeria, it operated in parallel with the Midwives Board of Nigeria, until a government decree of 1979 which merged the organizations. [11] The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria was formally established by decree No. 89 of 1979. [12] Adetoun Bailey was the first registrar. [13]
The council has its headquarters in Abuja. Other zonal offices are located in Sokoto, Kaduna, Bauchi, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Lagos. [14]