Nigeria now ranks as the third-highest source of foreign-trained nurses in the UK after the Philippines and India.
No fewer than 15,421 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives have been licensed to practise in the United Kingdom between 2017 and March 31, 2025, according to new data from the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
As of September 30, 2024, the figure stood at 14,815 but rose by 4.1 per cent to 15,421 by March 31, 2025. Nigeria now ranks as the third-highest source of foreign-trained nurses in the UK after the Philippines and India.
The report noted an overall slowdown in international recruitment, with the number of joiners from Nigeria dropping by 25.5 per cent over the past year.
“There has also been greater emphasis on domestic recruitment in England under the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan,” the NMC explained.
It also highlighted that professionals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds now make up 32.5 per cent of the UK register.
“It is more important than ever that professionals can practise in an environment that values diversity and tackles racism,” the council added.