433 Foreign-Trained Doctors Fail MDCN Qualifying Exam

In a recent development, 433 out of 836 foreign-trained medical graduates who undertook the qualifying examination organized by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) have reportedly failed.

The qualifying examination, conducted at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital between November 22 and 23, 2023, utilized a Computer Based Test (CBT) format. Graduates participated in the examination across four different centers in Kano State: BMG Institute of Information Technology, JAMB Professional Test Centre, Kano Cooperative CBT Centre, and Treztech.

The assessment included a computer-based test, a picture-based test, and an objective structural clinical examination, with findings indicating that a significant number of graduates struggled, particularly in the CBT section.

In an exclusive list of shortlisted candidates obtained by a correspondent in Abuja, a total of 836 candidates with medical degrees from foreign universities were initially selected for the examination. However, the recently obtained results reveal that only 403 candidates managed to pass.

Every year, a substantial number of Nigerians pursue medical degrees in foreign universities, investing significant resources in tuition and accommodation fees and dedicating several years to their education. Popular destinations for these studies include Ukraine, Sudan, Cyprus, Egypt, The Caribbean, Russia, Belarus, India, Hungary, Guyana, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic.

Upon completion of their studies abroad, aspiring doctors are required to pass the MDCN assessment to obtain a license to practice in Nigeria. The MDCN, responsible for regulating Medicine, Dentistry, and Alternative Medicine in the country, conducts the assessment twice a year. The examination evaluates candidates’ ability to apply basic medical sciences and clinical skills in a healthcare setting.

In a recent interview, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, the MDCN Registrar, emphasized that the assessment examination aligns with global practices in ensuring the competence of medical practitioners.