Nigerian Nurses Under Investigation in UK Exam Fraud Scandal, 1,955 Affected
Written by SpringsNewsNG Media Limited | April 2, 2025
The UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched an investigation into a significant exam fraud scandal, with a total of 1,238 Nigerian nurses now under scrutiny. An additional 717 nurses are facing disciplinary actions after being linked to the Yunik Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The overall number of affected Nigerian nurses has now reached 1,955.
The controversy erupted when the NMC identified irregularities in the Computer-Based Test (CBT), a required examination for foreign-trained nurses aiming to register in the UK. Concerns were raised when investigators noted that some candidates completed the exam unusually quickly, which raised suspicions of fraudulent activity. As a result, some nurses have had their UK visas revoked and are facing possible deportation.
Reports have emerged indicating that several nurses involved in the scandal have been removed from the UK professional register, while others are in the process of appealing their cases. The NMC revealed that 48 professionals already on the register had completed the CBT in a time frame that strongly suggests fraudulent activity. Additionally, 669 applicants hoping to join the register were similarly flagged. Furthermore, 467 professionals and 771 applicants had their CBT results invalidated, though not due to fraud.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, the NMC has offered affected nurses the opportunity to retake the CBT for free through Pearson VUE. However, the NMC clarified that passing the retest does not guarantee reinstatement to the register or approval of pending applications.
The NMC has stated that those found guilty of fraud will face disciplinary hearings before an Independent Panel, which will determine whether they can remain on the register. Meanwhile, those whose results were invalidated must retake the test before their applications are reconsidered.
As of now, the NMC has reviewed 202 cases, leading to 183 application refusals based on concerns over character. Nine applications were approved, but six of those have been dismissed on appeal. Since March 2024, 12 fraudulent entry hearings have taken place, resulting in the removal of 10 nurses from the register, while two were cleared of any wrongdoing.
The NMC assured affected individuals that it is working to resolve the cases as quickly as possible and is providing support for those who are struggling through the process.
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