Training & Education Framework
National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)
Regulatory Framework Manual
Part III — Training & Education Framework
**Version:** 1.0
1. Purpose
The Training & Education Framework establishes the standards governing caregiver education delivered under the authority of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria).
It defines the minimum requirements for programme design, learning delivery, assessment, student progression, and academic quality assurance. The framework applies to all education programmes delivered directly by NIC Nigeria and by Accredited Training Partners.
Its objective is to ensure that every learner receives a consistent, high-quality education that prepares them for safe, ethical, and competent caregiving practice.
2. Objectives
This Framework seeks to:
Establish national standards for caregiver education.
Promote competency-based learning.
Ensure consistency across all Accredited Training Partners.
Support both classroom-based and digital learning.
Prepare learners for supervised professional practice.
Maintain academic integrity and quality assurance.
Align caregiver education with international best practices while addressing Nigeria's healthcare and social care context.
3. Scope
This Framework applies to:
NIC Nigeria learning programmes.
Accredited Training Partners.
Approved instructors.
Student Members.
Learning materials.
Assessments.
Practical training.
Internship preparation.
4. Guiding Principles
All training programmes shall be guided by the following principles:
Person-centred care.
Competency-based education.
Safety first.
Ethical practice.
Inclusiveness and accessibility.
Evidence-informed teaching.
Continuous quality improvement.
Respect for cultural diversity.
Lifelong learning.
5. Programme Structure
NIC Nigeria programmes shall be organised into clearly defined learning pathways.
Current pathway:
**Fundamental Caregiving Programme**
↓
**Advanced Specialty Programme**
↓
**Supervised Internship**
↓
**NIC National Certified Nursing Assistant (NCNA)**
Future pathways may include:
Specialist certifications
Diploma programmes
Professional diplomas
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Leadership programmes
Trainer development programmes
6. Programme Design Standards
Every approved programme shall include:
Programme title.
Programme description.
Entry requirements.
Learning outcomes.
Module structure.
Lesson plans.
Required learning hours.
Practical learning activities.
Assessment strategy.
Completion requirements.
Programmes shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued relevance.
7. Curriculum Standards
Every curriculum shall:
Be competency-based.
Define measurable learning outcomes.
Include theoretical and practical learning.
Reflect current caregiving standards.
Promote ethical and professional practice.
Include assessment activities.
Only curricula approved by NIC Nigeria may be delivered as accredited programmes.
8. Learning Delivery
Approved delivery methods include:
Classroom instruction.
Live online learning.
Self-paced online learning.
Blended learning.
Workshops.
Practical demonstrations.
Simulation exercises.
Clinical observation (where applicable).
Accredited Training Partners may combine delivery methods provided learning outcomes are achieved.
9. Student Attendance
Students are expected to actively participate in all required learning activities.
Training Partners shall maintain attendance records for classroom-based learning.
For online learning, the portal shall record:
Lesson access.
Learning progress.
Assessment participation.
Course completion.
Students who fail to meet minimum participation requirements may be required to repeat learning activities before progressing.
10. Assessment Standards
Assessment shall measure competency rather than memorisation.
Approved assessment methods include:
Online quizzes.
Practical demonstrations.
Case studies.
Assignments.
Reflective exercises.
Oral presentations.
Practical examinations.
Final examinations.
Assessment criteria shall be transparent and communicated before assessment begins.
11. Academic Integrity
NIC Nigeria maintains zero tolerance for academic misconduct.
Academic misconduct includes:
Cheating.
Plagiarism.
Impersonation.
Unauthorized collaboration.
Examination malpractice.
Falsification of assessment records.
Use of fraudulent documents.
Confirmed violations may result in:
Assessment failure.
Suspension.
Expulsion from the programme.
Revocation of certificates where applicable.
12. Student Progression
Progression is competency-based.
Students shall only progress after successfully meeting the requirements of the preceding stage.
Progression pathway:
Student Member
↓
Fundamental Programme
↓
Advanced Specialty Programme
↓
Internship
↓
NCNA Eligibility
↓
Professional Membership
The portal shall automatically monitor progression and display each learner's current status.
13. Learning Records
NIC Nigeria shall maintain a permanent digital learning record for every Student Member.
Records shall include:
Courses enrolled.
Assessment results.
Completion dates.
Certificates earned.
Digital badges.
Internship status.
NCNA eligibility.
Learning records shall remain permanently associated with the member's NIC Membership Number.
14. Student Support
NIC Nigeria and Accredited Training Partners shall provide reasonable academic support, including:
Academic guidance.
Technical support for online learning.
Learning resources.
Progress monitoring.
Instructor feedback.
Referral for additional learning support where appropriate.
15. Learning Resources
Approved learning resources may include:
Digital course notes.
Video lessons.
Practical demonstrations.
Skills checklists.
Reading materials.
Toolkits.
Templates.
Interactive assessments.
Reference documents.
Only authorised learning materials may be distributed under NIC Nigeria branding.
16. Certificates of Course Completion
Completion of an individual course entitles the learner to receive a Course Completion Certificate.
Course certificates confirm successful completion of learning requirements only.
They do not, by themselves, confer professional certification or authority to practise as an NIC National Certified Nursing Assistant (NCNA).
17. Quality Assurance
NIC Nigeria shall maintain a Quality Assurance process covering:
Curriculum review.
Instructor performance.
Student feedback.
Assessment quality.
Programme outcomes.
Completion rates.
Continuous improvement.
Training Partners shall cooperate fully with quality assurance activities.
18. Responsibilities
NIC Nigeria shall:
Establish national training standards.
Approve curricula.
Monitor programme quality.
Maintain student records.
Issue course certificates.
Maintain the digital learning platform.
Accredited Training Partners shall:
Deliver approved programmes.
Maintain attendance records.
Support students.
Protect academic integrity.
Maintain accurate training records.
Cooperate with quality assurance activities.
Students shall:
Participate actively in learning.
Complete required assessments.
Maintain academic honesty.
Respect instructors and fellow learners.
Comply with NIC Nigeria policies.
19. Review of the Framework
This Framework shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with national priorities, advances in caregiving practice, educational innovation, and international standards.
Amendments shall become effective only after approval by the Governing Council of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria).
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.