Doctors trained abroad fail compulsory exam required of professionals
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A total 439 medical and dental graduates who attended university abroad failed the assessment examination conducted last month by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN).
The examination lasting two days was conducted on 23 and 24 November at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, according to MDCAN Registrar Tijani Sanusi
He said 916 medical and dental candidates sat for the examination but only 477 passed.
“24 candidates sat for the examination in dentistry, eight passed and 16 failed. 892 candidates sat for the medical examination, 469 passed and 423 failed,” he explained.
“It is a global practice that if you train in a particular jurisdiction and you want to go to another jurisdiction, you subject yourself to an assessment examination.”
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MDCN regulatory functions
“Even if you are a Professor of medicine here and you have never practised in the United Kingdom or the United States, when you go in there, you subject yourself to their assessment examination,” Sanusi said, per reporting by The PUNCH.
MDCN assessment examination is compulsory for all foreign-trained doctors dental surgeons who plan to practise in Nigeria.
MDCN regulates the practice of medicine, dentistry, and alternative medicine in the most efficient manner that safeguards the best healthcare delivery.
The assessment examination tests candidates’ ability to apply their basic medical sciences and clinical skills in a healthcare setting.
The examination ensures doctors and dental graduates who trained overseas show themselves capable of practising in Nigeria.
Once they pass the examination, they get a provisional licence to practise during their one-year housemanship after which they get a licence of full registration.