Nurses from both public and private hospitals in Lagos State took to the streets on Monday to protest against the recently introduced guidelines for certificate verification.
Under the umbrella of the Naija Nurses Forum, the nurses expressed their discontent, labeling the new guidelines as oppressive and calling on the Federal Government to reopen the verification portal unconditionally.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria issued a memo dated February 7, 2024, outlining the revised guidelines for certificate verification, stipulating criteria such as a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience.
Addressed to various healthcare institutions and nursing bodies, the memo triggered a wave of dissatisfaction among nurses, who demanded its reversal within 48 hours.
The protest, which was monitored by PUNCH Healthwise, spanned from Harvey Road to UNILAG Road, culminating at the Neuropsychiatrist Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
Nurses marched through the streets, chanting slogans and brandishing placards with messages condemning the new guidelines and advocating for their withdrawal.
In a statement to our correspondent, the coordinator of the forum, Thomas Abiodun, denounced the guidelines as an impediment to nurses’ career advancement and a violation of their rights.
Abiodun emphasized the need for urgent action, urging the government to reconsider the guidelines within the stipulated timeframe.
She stated, “The directive is very embarrassing. It’s an attempt to frustrate the nurses from seeking greener pastures and self-development. It is really embarrassing but we will take measures to look at it.
“We are saying no to this and we want the government to reverse this within 48 hours. We want them to revisit these guidelines, it is wrong and wicked.”
Details of further developments are forthcoming…
