The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the United Kingdom has uncovered evidence of extensive fraud at the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Nigeria. This revelation follows an alert issued by the NMC in May, expressing doubts about the registration of 512 Nigerian nurses and midwives who had passed their Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the Ibadan center.

In response to these concerns, the NMC decided to investigate the data and circumstances surrounding the CBT exams administered at the Yunnik center. It's worth noting that the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre is a facility where Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking to practice in the UK undergo a computer-based test to evaluate their clinical and numeracy competence.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the council disclosed that their investigation revealed that while the majority of individuals who took their Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the Yunnik center did not gain entry to the register fraudulently, there is substantial evidence of pervasive fraud at the center.

The statement elaborated further, stating, "There is compelling evidence of widespread fraudulent activities at the Yunnik center, where we suspect that some individuals obtained their CBT results fraudulently, possibly through the use of proxy testers, where someone takes the test on behalf of another person. Consequently, we cannot have confidence in any CBT results originating from this testing center, and we are categorizing all CBT results obtained at Yunnik as null and void."

The statement underscored the importance of the NMC in upholding the safety and integrity of the register, as well as maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in the professions they regulate. Therefore, they emphasize the need to ensure that anyone on their register, or seeking to join it, complies with their proficiency standards. A valid CBT result serves as one way for internationally educated professionals to demonstrate their adherence to these standards.

Among the 515 professionals currently on the register, the council identified 48 individuals who obtained their scores within a timeframe that suggests a likelihood of fraudulent acquisition.

"We will forward each of these cases to an impartial panel known as an Investigating Committee, which will assess whether these individuals gained unauthorized entry to the register. Consistent with our existing protocol, these individuals will have three opportunities to retake the CBT, during which they can furnish the Investigating Committee with information regarding the circumstances of their previous CBT at Yunnik. This may include any extenuating circumstances or character references. Furthermore, they will be given the opportunity to attend a hearing to provide the Investigating Committee with evidence in person."

"If the Investigating Committee determines that an individual's registration was fraudulently acquired, they may recommend the removal of that individual from our register. Such individuals retain the right to appeal this decision.

"At this stage, we are not pursuing allegations of fraud for the remaining 467 professionals on our register who completed their CBT at Yunnik. However, because we are invalidating all CBT results from the Yunnik center, these individuals must retake the test successfully to maintain their registration. They will be provided with three opportunities to do so, following our established procedure. This allows them to demonstrate to potential employers that they hold a CBT result that is beyond reproach," the statement explained.

NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, Andrea Sutcliffe, expressed understanding that this could be a distressing period for those uncertain about their application or registration status. However, she assured that the council is handling these concerns in a safe and equitable manner.

Sutcliffe emphasized the significant contributions made by internationally educated nurses and midwives to the UK's healthcare system. She reiterated the council's top priority: safeguarding the public by upholding the integrity of the register for nursing and midwifery professionals in the UK. This is why the council has approached this situation with meticulous care and thoughtfulness.

"We have maintained ongoing communication with employers and key partners, including trade unions and support groups, providing them with updates as we navigate through this situation. We have encouraged them to extend their support to affected individuals and address any potential instances of racism or discrimination. This dialogue will persist as we proceed with our regulatory actions, and I am appreciative of their collaboration and understanding," Sutcliffe stated.

During the period from April 1, 2022, to March 2023, a total of 3,383 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives obtained licenses to practice in the UK. Additionally, data from the NMC indicates that there are currently 10,639 Nigerian nurses and midwives practicing in the UK.