Victoria Mbangwa
In a major crackdown on exam malpractice, the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is investigating nearly 2,000 Nigerian nurses over fraudulent Computer-Based Test (CBT) results, a requirement for foreign-trained nurses to practice in the UK.
The scandal, which centers around the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, has led to visa revocations, canceled registrations, and mounting concerns over the credibility of international nursing qualifications.
The probe began in 2023 after the NMC detected irregular testing patterns at the centre, including unusually short completion times for the CBT, which raised suspicions of systematic fraud.
A total of 1,955 Nigerian nurses have been impacted, with 1,238 already indicted and 717 still under investigation. The UK Home Office has taken action by revoking visas, while the NMC has disqualified or placed registrations on hold for hundreds of nurses.
According to the council, affected individuals fall into four categories based on the level of evidence against them. While some have had their test results invalidated due to strong indications of fraud, others are being asked to retake the CBT to prove their competence. However, those with confirmed fraudulent activity may not be allowed to register in the UK, even if they pass a new test.
“All affected individuals will be given the opportunity to obtain a new, valid CBT result, with our test provider, Pearson VUE, covering the exam fee,” the council stated.
The scandal has placed many Nigerian nurses in professional and legal limbo, with some already being asked to leave the UK. The NMC has assured fair hearings but acknowledged the distress caused by the process. It has partnered with employers, unions, and the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK to provide support, including mental health services and legal guidance.
