The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has commended the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) for approving the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) as a valid qualification for admission into nursing programmes across Nigeria.
The MSSN described the move as a historic and inclusive step that affirms the educational rights of Muslim students and diversifies Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
The approval of SAISSCE, the group said, empowers students who have excelled in religious studies to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery, fields they were previously excluded from due to limited recognition of their academic background.
In a joint statement signed by its 38th National Amir, Engr. Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, and National Public Relations Officer, Mallam Moshood Abiola Olatunbi, the MSSN expressed gratitude to the NMCN for its responsiveness to years of advocacy.
The student body noted that the development aligns with its long-standing campaign for equitable access to education for Muslim youth across all disciplines.
The MSSN also urged universities and nursing colleges to promptly adopt and reflect the new policy in their admission processes. It stressed the need for transparency and fairness in implementing the change, adding that the inclusion of SAISSCE holders would enhance the quality of healthcare delivery by bringing diverse cultural and religious perspectives into the profession.
“This is a timely and essential decision, especially in a multicultural society like Nigeria,” the MSSN said. “It mirrors global best practices in healthcare education where diversity is recognised as a key strength for improving patient care and community trust.”
The group further called on the NMCN to issue clear guidelines for stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition to the new standard. It also encouraged other regulatory agencies to consider similar steps toward broadening access to professional programmes.
According to the MSSN, embracing such inclusive policies would strengthen the country’s health sector and contribute to broader national development through improved manpower planning.
