In a welcome turn of events, the Ministry of Health has officially reversed the earlier directive by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regarding the 2025 licensure exams. The final exams, originally scheduled for August and set to be held at selected regional centers, will now be conducted within students’ respective schools.

This decision comes after weeks of concern and anxiety among nursing and midwifery students across the country, who feared the logistical and financial burden of traveling to unfamiliar centers to sit for their exams. The initial arrangement followed the decoupling of Health Training Institutions from the NMC, which had mandated centralized exam centers for all candidates.

Under the previous plan, students were expected to leave their campuses and relocate to designated centers—often far from home—for the duration of the exams. This not only posed a significant emotional strain but also introduced additional costs for accommodation, transportation, and daily upkeep.

“We were worried about where we’d sleep, how we’d eat, and how we’d even focus on the exams in a new environment,” said one final-year student from the Upper West Region. “This reversal is a huge relief.”

The reversal was confirmed through an official communication from the Minister of Health, bringing a collective sigh of relief to students, faculty, and administrators alike. Many see this as a compassionate and practical move that prioritizes student welfare and academic integrity.

“This decision reflects a deeper understanding of the realities our students face,” said a senior administrator at a nursing college in Wa. “It’s not just about exams—it’s about dignity, access, and fairness.”

With the exams now set to take place within the various Health Training Institutions, students can prepare in familiar environments, supported by their tutors and peers. This move is expected to improve focus, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother examination process overall.

As the academic calendar continues, this development marks a significant win for student advocacy and institutional dialogue. It’s a reminder that when voices are heard, change is possible—and sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones.