The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has raised concerns over a recent media interview hosted by Mr. Raymond Uche, questioning the public presentation of an individual as a nurse without verified registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
In a statement, the forum highlighted regulatory and professional issues, noting that nursing practice and the use of professional titles in Nigeria are legally regulated and require proper authorization.
Addressing the key concern, the ENF said, “There is no recognised cadre known as ‘Auxiliary Nursing’ under Nigeria’s nursing regulations. Any claims or labels suggesting otherwise should be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.”
The forum also criticised the interview for affecting public perceptions of nursing, stating that the content went beyond credential issues and portrayed the profession in a misleading and negative light.
“Nurses in Nigeria and abroad have worked tirelessly to maintain ethics, competence, and patient-centered care. Any public content that undermines these standards must be addressed responsibly,” the statement read.
The ENF explained that practising nurses attempted to resolve the matter by engaging with the podcast host. “Concerned nurses, including Nurse Girma Nasir, reached out to Mr. Raymond Uche to request that the content be reviewed and withdrawn in the interest of public safety and professional integrity. Instead, he issued threats of legal action against Nurse Girma,” the forum said.
Emphasising that the issue affects the profession as a whole, the forum added, “This matter concerns the dignity, legal protection, and public trust of the entire nursing profession. The nursing community in Nigeria and the diaspora will stand united in defence of our colleague and our profession.”
The ENF is seeking official investigations by security authorities. It called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to examine the circumstances surrounding the public presentation of Bamidele R. Abiodun as a nurse and the role of Mr. Raymond Uche in promoting that claim, with legal action to follow where necessary.
The forum also urged the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to take regulatory and legal steps against anyone falsely presenting themselves as a nurse, as well as those facilitating such misrepresentation.
In addition, the ENF called on the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to take all necessary legal and professional measures to safeguard the image, dignity, and legal recognition of the profession.
The forum concluded, “The ENF will not remain silent while the integrity of nursing is questioned or misrepresented. Protecting the public and maintaining professional standards remain non-negotiable.”
