- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK is investigating a large-scale exam fraud at Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State
- A total of 1,955 Nigerian professionals were affected, with many allegedly obtaining fraudulent Computer-Based Test (CBT) results
- The UK Home Office has revoked visas for some affected nurses, while others await appeal decisions
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the United Kingdom has implicated 1,238 Nigerian nurses and midwives in a widespread exam fraud scandal linked to the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Additionally, 717 more Nigerian professionals are currently under investigation regarding the matter, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 1,955.
The NMC launched its probe in 2023 after detecting unusual data patterns from the test centre.
The anomalies indicated that many candidates completed their Computer-Based Test (CBT) in record times, raising suspicions of malpractice.
The CBT is a critical component of the test of competence required for foreign-trained nurses to qualify for practice in the UK.
Following its review, the NMC categorised the affected individuals into four groups:
1. Registered professionals suspected of fraud (48): These individuals allegedly obtained their CBT results fraudulently.
2. Applicants seeking registration with suspected fraudulent results (669): Their results were deemed highly improbable.
3. Registered professionals with invalidated CBT results (467): While no direct fraud allegations were made, their results were nullified.
4. Applicants with invalidated CBT results (771): There was insufficient evidence of fraud, but their results were also voided.
The council noted that test-taking patterns at Yunnik differed significantly from other Nigerian and global test centres, suggesting a large-scale fraudulent operation.
The UK Home Office has taken action against some affected nurses and midwives, revoking their visas while they await the outcomes of their appeals.
The NMC, however, has provided an opportunity for affected individuals to obtain a new, valid CBT result at no cost, with test provider Pearson VUE covering the exam fee.
- For those in Group 3: They can remain on the register once they pass the new CBT.
- For those in Group 4: They may complete their registration process after fulfilling other requirements, such as English language proficiency and health and character assessments.
- For those in Groups 1 and 2: Retaking the CBT does not guarantee retention or admission to the register. Group 1 professionals face an independent panel under the ‘fraudulent entry’ process, while Group 2 applicants must undergo additional review even after passing the new CBT.
As of now, 202 applications from those suspected of fraud have been reviewed:
- 183 were refused due to failing the character assessment.
- 9 were approved.
- 12 registrants faced hearings, with 10 removed from the register for proven fraud and 2 cleared of fraudulent entry.
Support measures for affected nurses
The NMC has implemented support structures for those involved, including:
- Collaborating with employers and unions to provide clear information and guidance.
- Partnering with the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK to assist affected members.
- Expanding its Careline to offer 24/7 emotional and practical support.
- Increasing access to safeguarding professionals to address potential vulnerabilities.
The ongoing investigation highlights a broader issue, the mass migration of Nigerian health workers in search of better opportunities abroad.
In 2023 alone, over 15,000 Nigerian nurses and midwives left the country.
From 2017 to 2022, more than 57,000 nurses relocated overseas.
By August 2024, 13,656 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives were practising in the UK.
UK orders Nigerian nurses awaiting appeals to leave amid exam fraud probe
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United Kingdom’s Home Office revoked the visas of several Nigerian nurses under investigation for alleged examination fraud, instructing them to leave the country.
According to Nursing Times, the affected nurses, who were still awaiting the outcomes of their appeals, received official letters from the Home Office ordering them to exit the UK.