Findings have revealed that the recent examination conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for foreign-trained medical graduates saw 433 out of 836 candidates failing.
Held at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on November 22 and 23, 2023, the qualifying examination for these graduates utilized a Computer Based Test format across four different centers in Kano State: BMG Institute of Information Technology, JAMB Professional Test Centre, Kano Cooperative CBT Centre, and Treztech.
Consisting of a computer-based test, a picture-based test, and an objective structural clinical examination, the assessment revealed that many of the medical and dental graduates struggled, particularly in the CBT section.
Initially, a total of 836 candidates with medical degrees from foreign universities were shortlisted, but only 403 candidates managed to pass, as indicated by the examination results obtained by The PUNCH.
The report highlighted that numerous Nigerian students pursue medical education abroad, often in countries like Ukraine, Sudan, Cyprus, Egypt, The Caribbean, Russia, Belarus, India, Hungary, Guyana, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic.
Upon completion of their studies overseas, these graduates must pass the MDCN assessment to obtain a license to practice in Nigeria.
The MDCN, responsible for regulating Medicine, Dentistry, and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria, conducts this assessment biannually.
The MDCN Registrar, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, emphasized that the examination evaluates candidates’ capacity to apply basic medical sciences and clinical skills within a healthcare setting, aligning with global standards.
