Fraud concerns raised over Nigerian competency test centre
NMC launches investigation into ‘anomalous’ data from a test centre in Nigeria where 512 members took their competency test for UK nurse registration
A nursing test centre in Nigeria is being investigated for suspected fraud after ‘concerning’ data came to light, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has said.
NMC to investigate 512 registrants for possible fraudulent applications
Pearson VUE, which runs a computer-based test (CBT) of competence programme on behalf of the NMC, has alerted the regulator of ‘anomalous’ data at the test centre in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Testing at the centre was suspended immediately, but due to an ongoing investigation the NMC is unable to provide further information about the data.
The NMC will now write to 512 people on the UK register who took their test at the centre to inform them a case will be opened to determine whether or not they gained fraudulent or incorrect entry to the register.
The number represents about 5% of all professionals on the register who qualified in Nigeria.
NMC may consider interim suspension orders after examining each case
As part of the investigation the NMC will ‘consider the need’ for interim suspension orders on a case-by-case basis. Individuals will still be able to work unless the NMC decides there is enough evidence for an interim order.
It confirmed no fitness to practise concerns have been raised at this stage.
NMC chief executive Andrea Sutcliffe said: ‘Data from one test site in Nigeria is unusual and concerning. We have regulatory processes which we will now follow and, if necessary, we can refuse registration or remove people from our register to protect the public and people who use health and care services.
‘We should remember that thousands of nurses and midwives who were educated overseas have safely joined our register recently and continue to provide safe, effective and kind care across the UK.’
To ensure internationally educated professionals have the right knowledge and skills to provide care in the UK, they are required to take a two-part test of competence before joining the register. This includes a CBT in their home country and a practical test – an objective structured clinical examination (OCSE) – in the UK. New recruits must also pass an English language test.
Registrants who used the test centre will be able to retake the test
In total, about 1,970 candidates took their CBT at the centre. The NMC is now looking closely at the full applications of those who have joined the register and has paused applications from those who are not yet on it.
Those whose applications are set to be paused will be asked to retake the test and provide more information to guide the NMC in its final decision. Nurses and midwives already on the register will have the choice to retake the test, with the test provider covering candidate examination fees.
According to the latest data, Nigeria is among the top countries for overseas recruitment in the UK despite being on the World Health Organization’s ‘red list’, which means active recruitment is not permitted.
Of all internationally trained nurses and midwives who joined the register in 2021-22, about 13% came from Nigeria.
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