Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Under Investigation for Exam Fraud at UK’s Yunnik Test Centre

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the United Kingdom has initiated an investigation into 1,238 Nigerian nurses and midwives linked to widespread exam fraud concerns at the Yunnik Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The NMC confirmed that 717 individuals are under scrutiny for their involvement in the fraud, with a total of 1,955 professionals affected by the irregularities at the centre.

In a statement issued by the NMC, it was detailed that the issue began when the Home Office requested some Nigerian nurses and midwives being investigated for exam fraud to leave the UK. The UK regulatory body had launched the probe in 2023 after receiving an alert about suspicious data from the Yunnik Test Centre. Upon analyzing test-taking patterns, the NMC found that numerous nurses had completed their Computer-Based Tests (CBT) in an unusually short amount of time, raising concerns of possible fraudulent activities.

The NMC’s investigation revealed four key groups of professionals impacted by the concerns at Yunnik. These groups include professionals with invalidated CBT results and applicants for registration who had passed the CBT in suspiciously fast times. In total, the NMC identified 48 professionals who passed the CBT fraudulently, and 669 applicants who may have obtained their results fraudulently. Additionally, 467 registered professionals had their CBT results invalidated, while 771 applicants had their results invalidated due to insufficient evidence of fraud.

The NMC’s investigation highlighted the stark contrast between the data from Yunnik and other test centres globally, suggesting widespread fraud. The council has offered all affected individuals an opportunity to retake the CBT, with Pearson VUE covering the examination fee. Those in certain groups will be able to progress with their applications, while those in other groups may face challenges depending on further investigations into their character and health.

In its efforts to support those impacted by the fraud concerns, the NMC has been working closely with Nigerian nurses’ representative bodies, employers, and the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK to provide clear guidance and emotional support. Additionally, the NMC has expanded its Careline services, offering 24/7 independent support to nurses and midwives involved in the investigation.

This investigation comes amid a concerning trend of Nigerian healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Reports indicate that over 42,000 Nigerian nurses have left the country in the past three years, with a significant number now practicing in the UK.