Nigeria continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality burdens in the world. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria had more than 180,000 registered nurses and 126,000 midwives as of 2020—a ratio that translates to one midwife for every 364 women of reproductive age . The UN Population Fund estimates that Nigeria requires 70,000 additional midwives by 2030 to meet WHO recommendations, with each dollar invested in midwife-led care yielding a sixteen-dollar return . Thousands of women still die each year from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
At the heart of the solution are midwives.
For registered nurses looking to expand their impact, improve their career prospects, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare outcomes, midwifery for Nigerian nurses offers one of the most rewarding and strategic career pathways available today.
Quick Answer: Why Should Nigerian Nurses Consider Midwifery?
Midwifery offers Nigerian nurses specialized clinical skills, stronger career advancement opportunities, greater job security, and the ability to save mothers’ and newborns’ lives. With Nigeria facing a critical shortage of skilled birth attendants—needing over 70,000 additional midwives—midwifery provides a fulfilling career path that combines professional growth, leadership opportunities, and meaningful community impact.
The Current State of Maternal Health in Nigeria
Nigeria’s maternal health indicators have improved in recent years, but major challenges remain.
The Federal Government recently launched the Nigerian Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 2025–2030, a comprehensive blueprint to advance education, create clear career pathways, expand leadership roles, and improve talent retention in the profession . President Bola Tinubu has also approved fast-track recruitment waivers for federal health workers, with nearly 20,000 new hires expected—60 per cent of whom will be nurses and midwives .
However, challenges persist. WHO recommends a nurse-to-patient ratio of one to four, but Nigeria still struggles to meet this standard. Annual nurse production has increased from 23,000 to over 115,000, but integrating these trained professionals into the national health system remains difficult .
Several factors continue to contribute to maternal mortality:
- Shortage of skilled birth attendants
- Delayed access to healthcare
- Poor transportation systems in rural areas
- Inadequate healthcare infrastructure
- Limited antenatal care utilization
To address these issues, government agencies, development partners, and healthcare organizations continue to invest in maternal health programs, workforce development, and primary healthcare strengthening.
Nigeria urgently needs more qualified midwives.
Midwifery for Nigerian Nurses: Top Benefits and Career Advantages
Career Advancement and Professional Specialization
Midwifery allows nurses to develop expertise in:
- Antenatal care
- Labour and delivery management
- Emergency obstetric care
- Family planning services
- Newborn care
- Postnatal care
This specialization increases professional recognition and often opens doors to leadership positions such as:
- Labour ward manager
- Maternal health coordinator
- Clinical instructor
- Nurse educator
- Programme officer in maternal health projects
The NSDNM 2025–2030 aims to expand leadership roles for nurses and midwives within the health and academic systems, ensuring professionals are respected, well-trained, and empowered to deliver quality care .
Job Security and Growing Demand
Few nursing specialties offer the level of demand that midwifery does. The Nigerian government recognizes midwives as central to healthcare delivery, and WHO projects a global shortfall of 4.8 million nurses and midwives by 2030, with the most severe gaps expected in Africa .
Qualified midwives are needed across:
- Teaching hospitals
- Federal Medical Centres
- State hospitals
- Primary Health Care centres
- Private maternity hospitals
- NGOs and humanitarian organizations
- International development agencies
Midwifery Salary Nigeria: Earning Potential
Salaries vary by experience, location, and employer, but midwives often enjoy enhanced earning opportunities compared to general nursing roles.
Sample salary estimates:
Beyond regular employment, midwives can generate additional income through training, mentorship, health education programmes, NGO consultancy work, and grant-funded maternal health initiatives.
Making a Difference in Rural and Underserved Communities
For many nurses, the most powerful reward of midwifery is impact. In rural communities where healthcare resources are limited, a skilled midwife can mean the difference between life and death.
Midwives help:
- Detect pregnancy complications early
- Promote safe deliveries
- Educate mothers on newborn care
- Improve breastfeeding practices
- Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality
The Community Nursing and Midwifery Programme, introduced by NMCN, enables communities to sponsor trainees while local governments commit to employing them—ensuring skilled professionals return to underserved areas .
International Opportunities for Nigerian Midwives
Global demand for qualified midwives continues to rise. Countries actively recruiting internationally trained nurses and midwives include:
- United Kingdom (NMC registration, IELTS/OET, OSCE)
- Canada (NNAS credential assessment)
- United States (NCLEX-RN, CGFNS, CNM certification)
- Australia (AHPRA registration)
- Middle East countries
Having midwifery credentials strengthens an applicant’s profile during international recruitment.
How to Become a Midwife in Nigeria
Step-by-Step Pathway
Entry Requirements for Post-Basic Midwifery Programmes
- Five credit passes in SSCE, WASSCE, NECO, or NABTEB, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (not more than two sittings)
- Valid registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) with NMCN
- Current NMCN license
Example Institutions Offering Post-Basic Midwifery
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria
- Edo State College of Nursing Sciences
- Standard College of Nursing Sciences, Minna
Note: Programme duration is 18 months for Post-Basic Midwifery . Admission form fees vary by institution (e.g., ₦30,000 at Standard College, Minna) .
Mandatory Continuing Professional Development
The NMCN requires nurses and midwives to complete the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP), with at least 60 hours of accredited continuing education courses every three years to maintain licensure .
Challenges of Midwifery and How to Overcome Them
Professional Recognition and Systemic Barriers
Some midwives report being sidelined in the job market, with employers preferring “nurses” over midwives despite midwives’ specialized competencies . Nigeria’s rigid hierarchical healthcare system often fails to fully recognize midwifery as a distinct and essential profession.
How to cope:
- Advocate for midwifery recognition
- Join professional associations (NANNM)
- Seek employers who value midwifery expertise
- Pursue advanced certifications
Workload and Long Shifts
Labour does not follow a schedule. Midwives often work nights, weekends, and extended shifts.
How to cope:
- Prioritize self-care
- Maintain healthy sleep habits
- Develop strong teamwork skills
Emotional Demands
Midwives experience both joyful and difficult moments. Supporting families through emergencies can be emotionally taxing.
How to cope:
Resource Limitations
Some facilities face shortages of equipment, supplies, and personnel.
How to cope:
- Continue professional development
- Learn resource-efficient clinical practices
- Advocate for improved maternal health services
Scope of Practice Variations
Midwives’ autonomy varies across healthcare levels:
Quackery and Fraudulent Licensing
Nigeria faces issues with unlicensed practitioners (“quacks”) and unaccredited nursing/midwifery schools operating without NMCN approval. Section 20 of the Nursing and Midwifery Act criminalizes practicing without proper registration, using misleading titles, or employing unregistered staff .
How to protect yourself:
- Always verify NMCN registration
- Report unlicensed practitioners
- Work only in accredited facilities
Real-Life Success Stories from Nigerian Nurses Who Chose Midwifery
The Labour Ward Leader
A registered nurse in a state teaching hospital completed her Post-Basic Midwifery training and gradually rose to become labour ward coordinator. Today, she mentors younger nurses and leads quality improvement initiatives that have improved maternal outcomes in her facility.
The NGO Programme Officer
After gaining midwifery experience in rural healthcare, another nurse joined a maternal health NGO. She now coordinates safe motherhood programmes across multiple communities and contributes to policy discussions on maternal health.
The International Midwife
A Nigerian nurse-midwife strengthened her professional profile through midwifery certification and eventually secured employment abroad. Her combined nursing and midwifery experience made her highly competitive during recruitment.
Why Midwifery Remains One of the Most Rewarding Nursing Specialties
Few healthcare professionals witness the beginning of life as closely as midwives.
Every safe delivery represents:
- A mother protected
- A newborn given a healthy start
- A family strengthened
- A community empowered
Midwives support women through one of the most significant experiences of their lives. The profession combines technical expertise, compassion, leadership, advocacy, and public health impact.
For many nurses, that combination creates a level of fulfillment that few specialties can match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to become a midwife in Nigeria?
Post-Basic Midwifery programmes for registered nurses typically last 18 months .
Can a registered nurse become a midwife?
Yes. Registered nurses can enroll in accredited Post-Basic Midwifery programmes and obtain midwifery registration after completing training and examinations.
What is the salary of a midwife in Nigeria?
Salaries vary by employer, experience, location, and qualifications. Entry-level positions in Abuja offer ₦80,000–90,000 monthly . NJFP fellowships offer ₦150,000 monthly stipends . Experienced midwives in NGOs or international programmes may earn significantly more.
Is midwifery in demand in Nigeria?
Yes. Nigeria requires an estimated 70,000 additional midwives by 2030 to meet WHO recommendations . The government has approved hiring nearly 20,000 new health workers, with 60% being nurses and midwives .
Which schools offer Post-Basic Midwifery in Nigeria?
Many teaching hospitals, federal institutions, and schools of midwifery accredited by NMCN offer Post-Basic Midwifery programmes, including ABUTH Zaria, Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, and Standard College of Nursing Sciences, Minna .
Can Nigerian midwives work abroad?
Yes. Many Nigerian nurse-midwives successfully work in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States after meeting licensing and immigration requirements.
Is midwifery a good career choice in Nigeria?
Absolutely. Midwifery offers strong job prospects, meaningful patient impact, leadership opportunities, and pathways for international employment.
What is the scope of practice for midwives in Nigeria?
Midwives’ scope varies by facility level. At primary healthcare centres, midwives operate with the highest autonomy—prescribing medications and running birthing homes independently. At secondary levels, they manage labour rooms exclusively. At teaching hospitals, they work under closer supervision .
What continuing education is required for midwives?
The NMCN Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) requires midwives to complete at least 60 hours of accredited continuing education every three years to maintain licensure .
What are the main professional challenges midwives face in Nigeria?
Challenges include systemic recognition issues, workload and stress, limited resources, and regulatory challenges such as fraudulent licensing and unqualified practitioners .
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering midwifery:
- Research accredited Post-Basic Midwifery programmes
- Speak with practicing nurse-midwives
- Explore career advancement opportunities in maternal health
- Join professional nursing associations like NANNM
- Invest in continuing professional development
The next step in your nursing career could be the one that transforms countless lives—including your own.
Useful Resources:
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria: nmcn.gov.ng
- Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme: portal.njfp.ng
- NSDNM 2025–2030 strategic plan details: Available through NMCN
The future of maternal health in Nigeria depends heavily on a strong and skilled midwifery workforce. From career advancement and job security to international opportunities and life-saving impact, midwifery for Nigerian nurses offers an exceptional pathway for professional growth and meaningful service. As Nigeria continues to address maternal and newborn health challenges—with new government blueprints and significant recruitment efforts underway—qualified midwives will remain indispensable to the healthcare system .
If you are a nurse seeking a specialty that combines purpose, opportunity, and long-term relevance, now is an excellent time to explore accredited midwifery programmes and begin your journey.