Some Nigerian nurses under investigation for alleged fraud at a UK test center have been told to leave the country, even though their appeals are still pending. This was revealed in an exclusive report by *Nursing Times*.
The UK Home Office has sent letters ordering the nurses to leave by next week after canceling their visas.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which regulates nurses in the UK, has been accused of delaying hearings, which could lead to the nurses being sent back to Nigeria before their appeals are heard. However, the NMC denies these claims, saying it is working to schedule hearings as quickly as possible.
This situation stems from an investigation into nearly 2,000 Nigerian nurses linked to suspected fraud at the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Concerns were raised when data showed unusually fast completion times for the computer-based test (CBT), which is required for international nurses to join the NMC register.
The NMC identified 48 registered nurses and 669 applicants who were likely involved in the suspected fraud. Those under suspicion were asked to retake the CBT or provide additional evidence to prove their qualifications.
An independent panel reviewed cases involving registered nurses, while an assistant registrar handled cases involving applicants.
So far, 20 individuals have admitted to using proxy testers (someone else taking the test on their behalf). Out of the 48 registered nurses accused, 12 hearings have been held, resulting in 10 nurses being removed from the register and two being allowed to stay. Among 200 reviewed applications, 191 were rejected, and nine were accepted. Seventeen cases are still pending.
Many of the affected nurses say they were unfairly dismissed or had their visas canceled while waiting for their hearings. In February, a group of 50 nurses sent a legal notice to the NMC, demanding that it work with the Home Office to stop deportations before appeals are resolved. The NMC missed the deadline to respond, leading the nurses to take legal action.
The issue remains unresolved, with calls for the NMC to review all cases where nurses were removed or rejected. This comes after one nurse successfully appealed their case, raising questions about the fairness of the process.
