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Nigerian Nurses in Crisis: Government Portal Shutdown Forces Professionals Back Home
Nigerian Nurses in Crisis: Government Portal Shutdown Forces Professionals Back Home....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The abrupt shutdown of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s (NMCN) verification portal in February has left many Nigerian nurses and midwives working in the United Kingdom and the United States in distress. This sudden closure has forced these healthcare professionals to return to Nigeria, struggling to renew their licenses and meet international regulatory requirements.
With the NMCN portal inaccessible, numerous nurses find themselves unable to secure the essential verification needed for their practice. As a result, many are inadvertently breaching visa conditions and employment laws, leading to significant legal challenges. Reports from The PUNCH highlight that a considerable number of nurses, especially in the UK and the US, have been compelled to return home due to these issues.
One nurse, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his harrowing experience. After relocating to the UK in September 2023 to join a prestigious healthcare organization, he had successfully passed various exams and completed necessary documentation, with only the NMCN portal verification pending for his registration pin. Unfortunately, the portal’s closure dashed his hopes, leading to the termination of his employment due to his failure to meet certification requirements. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue with the NMCN, including proposing alternative solutions, he found no resolution. His frustration was palpable: “The situation is not only saddening but also suicidal. My career is stagnated.”
Another nurse, Ovie, currently residing in the UK, echoed similar sentiments. She had moved to pursue a nursing top-up program, but the portal’s closure hindered her ability to complete the verification process. As her student visa nears expiration, she faces uncertainty and the looming threat of deportation, leaving her future in jeopardy.
The crisis extends beyond the UK, affecting Nigerian nurses globally. Hannah, a nurse in Saudi Arabia, expressed her despair as she navigates an uncertain future since relocating in 2023 to practice nursing. The risk of deportation looms large, compounding her anxiety.
Michael Nnachi, President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He indicated that the association has been in discussions with the government to address the matter, forming a committee to review the challenges faced by nurses. While he remains hopeful for a resolution, he urged affected members to exercise patience, highlighting past instances where government promises failed to materialize.
Abubakar Shehu, the Deputy National President of the association, criticized the government’s handling of the portal’s closure. He pointed out that other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists, have not faced the same hurdles as nurses, exacerbating the sense of frustration within the nursing community.
Despite assurances from the NMCN registrar that the portal would soon reopen, Shehu stressed the adverse impact of the closure on Nigerian nurses seeking opportunities abroad. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the NMCN verification process has far-reaching implications, subjecting many Nigerian nurses to legal, financial, and emotional challenges as they await the portal’s reopening.
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BREAKING: Oyo Budget Commissioner Resigns From Makinde’s Cabinet.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo, has resigned from his position in Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ojo announced his decision in a letter dated Monday, November 2, 2026, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.
In the letter, the commissioner stated that his resignation would take immediate effect, making reference to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026.
“With reference to your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 (SP.S.662/2/VOL.IV/192), I respectfully write to formally resign my appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, with effect from today, 2nd November, 2026,” the letter read.
Ojo also expressed gratitude to Makinde for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as a privilege and an honour.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve our dear State under the administration of Your Excellency. Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour that I do not take lightly,” he wrote.
The former commissioner, however, did not disclose the reason behind his decision to leave the cabinet.
His resignation is the latest in a series of departures from the Makinde administration.
Others who have previously resigned include the governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, Kabiru Salami; former Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, Tara Adefope.
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2027: ‘Peter Obi Will Break One-Term Agreement’ – Sambo Raises Alarm.
Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has predicted that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will seek a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sambo made the prediction during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.
The journalist dismissed claims by some political figures that Obi would serve only one term in office before handing over power to another person.
“Nothing will stop Peter Obi from seeking a second term if he wins. He will betray a one-term pact,” Sambo said.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees Obi the right to seek re-election if elected president, adding that no informal agreement could prevent him from exercising that constitutional right.
Sambo further maintained that politicians who secure the presidency generally seek a second term, insisting that Obi would be no exception.
In a related development, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts about the willingness of voters in Northern Nigeria to support a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, against attacking him over his position.
The economist made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, explaining that his assessment was informed by his personal experience as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
“First, these people (Obidients) are always eager to attack. I said it is very unlikely that the North will support Peter Obi, very unlikely because I know what I have faced,” he said.
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Finidi Blasts Rangers Over Alleged Time-Wasting Tactics After NPFL Draw.
Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers United the lead in the 17th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. However, Rangers drew level eight minutes into the second half through Godwin Obaje.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Both sides pressed for a decisive goal but were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a share of the points.
Speaking after the encounter, Rivers United head coach Finidi George accused Rangers players of deliberately disrupting the flow of the game, particularly towards the closing stages.
“They got a draw, and they should not complain,” Finidi said.
“You saw the way the players were falling as if they were not fit, but I wasn’t pleased with their time-wasting tactics.”
The draw left Rivers United and Enugu Rangers level on points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with the Port Harcourt-based side maintaining first place on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie added a second in the 65th minute to seal maximum points for the hosts.
The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run to three matches and moved them to fourth position with 18 points.
Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing before the club’s demanding supporters but said their high expectations could serve as motivation for the team.
“Most of the time we play with so much pressure here. Obviously we want to win; our fans want us to win every game. We know what it means when we are leading 2-0, and they still want more. But for me that is the kind of hunger I want from the spectators, from the players. The good thing is that we are adapting gradually to it,” he said.
The coach also attributed the victory to his tactical adjustments, explaining that his decision to use inverted wing-backs during the opening 20 minutes unsettled Nasarawa United’s full-backs and opened up spaces in central areas.
After the break, Pillars altered their approach and focused on exploiting the wide areas. The adjustment created several scoring opportunities, although they failed to increase their advantage.
Ogunmodede described the win as significant for the club’s position on the league table, the players’ confidence and the satisfaction of supporters. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s clean sheet.
In another Matchday 11 encounter, Katsina United technical adviser Azeez Audu Mohammed praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Luis Dadong scored twice in the 10th and 28th minutes to put the Chanji Boys 2-0 ahead before Aliyu Baba pulled one back for Sporting Lagos in the 65th minute.
Katsina United, however, held on to secure all three points.
Mohammed said defeating a strong opponent was more important than keeping a clean sheet, highlighting Sporting Lagos’ impressive away record.
“It’s not about a clean sheet. The important thing is that we won against a quality side. In 11 matches, they picked up 10 points away from home, so it’s not a small feat for us to beat them,” he told the NPFL media.
The coach also praised his players for executing their instructions but admitted that the team’s defensive organisation declined in the second half.
“I think my boys did well, aside from conceding. We will continue working hard until we get it right,” he said.
“I think we didn’t defend well in the second half. We are going to talk to the defenders on how to do things right. Overall, they did well and played according to instructions because we faced a very good team. The plan was to stop them from playing, which we did.”
Katsina United will next travel to Ozoro to take on Warri Wolves as they seek to build on their Matchday 11 victory.
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