The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) wishes to inform parents and guardian of prospective medical doctors and dental surgeon, their wards and the general public to note the following important announcements: The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is the regulatory body for the practice and training of Medicine, Dentistry and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria as contained in the enabling Act CAP M8 LFN 2010 (as amended). Council accepts (for registration and licensing) only qualifications obtained from Accredited Training Institutions both in Nigeria and abroad. The attention of the Council has however been drawn to cases where unsuspecting parents of prospective medical and dental students are being lured into registering their wards in unaccredited training institutions and graduates of such institutions are bringing certificates to Council for registration. Council is aware of a particular institution called HOUDEGBE NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY BENIN in Benin Republic issuing such certificates. The Council strongly states that HOUDEGBE NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY BENIN in Benin Republic is not accredited by the Government of Benin Republic, (its home base) to offer courses in medicine or dentistry and therefore its certificates are not recognized by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The Council wishes to state unequivocally that any student or graduate who undertook the study of medicine or dentistry and obtain certificate from that University or any other unaccredited institutions does so in his/her own interest and should note that such certificates will not be recognised by the Council and holders of such certificates CANNOT practice medicine and dentistry in Nigeria. The Council further reminds the public and all stakeholders that the registration and licensing by the Council is not a right but a privilege solely reserved by it in accordance with the provision of the enabling Act Cap M8 LFN 2010 (as amended). The Council will continue to ensure that; only the prospective medical or dental graduates that have undergone courses of training in approved institutions are registered and licensed to practice these professions in Nigeria. The public should constantly beware of unscrupulous agents seeking to exploit them and are encouraged to visit the Council's website, www.mdcn.gov.ng for medical and dental training and practice in Nigeria. Dr. Abdulmumini A. Ibrahim, mni., Dsc, (HC) Registrar

A registered medical practitioner or dental surgeon is expected to take out a professional indemnity insurance policy for the protection of his practice. Rule 12.6 Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition. Failure to have a policy may be deemed an act of professional misconduct if it becomes subject of enquiry before the Disciplinary Tribunal. Rule 26 Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition. Failure to cover your practice with an indemnity insurance policy exposes you to the risk of professional and financial ruination.

Twelve Duties of A Physician in Nigeria Rule 11A. Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 Edition: 1. A Physician shall always exercise his independent professional judgment and always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct; 2. A Physician shall respect a competent patient's right to accept or refuse treatment; 3. A Physician shall not allow his judgment to be influenced by personal profit or unfair discrimination; 4. A Physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical services in full professional and moral independence, with compassion and respect for human dignity; 5. A Physician shall deal honestly with patients and colleagues, and report to the appropriate authorities those physicians who practice unethically or incompetently, or who engage in fraud or deception; 6. A Physician shall not receive any financial benefits or other incentives solely for referring patients or prescribing specific products; 7. A Physician shall respect the rights and preferences of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals; 8. A Physician shall recognize his important role in educating the public but should use due caution in divulging discoveries or new techniques or treatment through non-professional channels; 9. A Physician shall strive to use health care resources in the best way to benefit patients and their community; 10. A Physician shall seek appropriate care and attention if he suffers from mental or physical illness; 11. A Physician shall respect the local and national codes of ethics; A Physician shall always bear in mind the obligation to respect human life.

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/fake-doctor-runs-abuja-hospital-for-10-years-undetected/151076.html

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has the mandate to supervise and control the practice of Alternative Medicine. Alternative Medicine in Nigeria, means Naturopathy, Acupuncture and Osteopathy. Registration of a person by the MDCN as an alternative medicine practitioner permits him to practice any of Naturopathy, Osteopathy or Acupuncture. Such a person is not permitted to hold himself out as person permitted to practice medicine in Nigeria. He is also not permitted to use the title Doctor, Physician or medical practitioner in the course of attending to patients. Medical and Dental Practitioners Act sections 1(2e), 21 and 17(1).

The mere possession of a Fellowship doesn't make a person a medical or dental Consultant. Possession of the Fellowship of the National Medical College of Nigeria or its equivalent qualifies a person as a medical or dental specialist who is qualified to be appointed as a medical or dental Consultant in a hospital. The medical or dental Consultant bears the ultimate responsibility for the care of a patient registered under him.

A person is not a doctor because he has the MBBS. He is a doctor because he is registered as a medical practitioner by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Any person who uses the title Doctor in the course of attending to patients, while not registered as a medical practitioner, is a criminal. S17(1) Medical and Dental Practitioners' Act cap M8 LFN 2004.