The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has released an official guidance document outlining the ethical standards and expectations for medical and dental practitioners in their use of social media and digital communication platforms.
Date: October 14, 2025
Issued by: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Category: Professional Ethics & Digital Conduct
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The new guideline aims to:
Protect patients, practitioners, and the integrity of the medical profession,
Encourage open, respectful, and evidence-based communication,
Reinforce compliance with the Code of Medical Ethics (2008) and the Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023).
Your online behaviour reflects your medical professionalism. Maintain the same ethical standards you would in clinical or public practice.
Be truthful, transparent, and accurate. Never misrepresent your qualifications or affiliations. Only licensed practitioners should share medical education content.
Do not share identifiable patient information (images, audio, or details) without written consent and a clear educational purpose.
Even anonymized data can sometimes be re-identified—err on the side of caution.
Avoid using personal accounts to interact with patients or offer treatment advice online.
Uphold civility—avoid abusive, harassing, or defamatory posts toward patients, colleagues, or institutions.
Share only verified, science-backed information. Avoid spreading unverified claims or sensational health news.
All online activity must comply with Nigerian laws, MDCN standards, and data protection regulations.
Practitioners are accountable for all online content—even deleted or private posts may become public.
| Category | Recommended Practice |
|---|---|
| Professional Identification | Use your real name and professional title (e.g. Dr, Dentist) when discussing medical issues. |
| Posting Clinical Content | Share clinical material only in professional or academic forums, with documented patient consent. |
| Engaging the Public | Provide general health education — not specific diagnoses or treatment plans. |
| Advertising & Promotion | Follow all advertising laws. Avoid misleading claims, and disclose sponsorships or affiliations. |
| Collegial Interaction | Keep debates factual, respectful, and professional, even when disagreeing. |
MDCN welcomes constructive criticism and professional advocacy, but warns that false or defamatory statements about the Council or its officers will not be tolerated.
False information erodes public trust in the medical profession.
It can mislead the public and spread misinformation.
It may expose the author to legal and disciplinary actions.
Verify information from official MDCN sources.
Clearly separate personal opinion from fact.
Use respectful language when critiquing policy.
Focus on system improvement, not personal attacks.
Use official channels for formal complaints.
🌐 Website: https://www.mdcn.gov.ng
🐦 X (Twitter): @MDCNOfficial
📘 Facebook: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
📸 Instagram: @officialmdcn
📧 Emails:
General Enquiries – info@mdcn.gov.ng
Complaints – registrar@mdcn.gov.ng
📍 Physical Address:
Plot 1102, Cadastral Zone B11, Off Oladipo Diya Road, Gudu District, Abuja.
🧾 Report a Practitioner: https://www.portal.mdcn.gov.ng/doctor-complaint
MDCN may monitor public content to identify serious professional breaches. Confirmed cases will follow due process through the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigative Panel (MDPIP).
Possible sanctions include:
Warning or suspension,
Referral to the Disciplinary Tribunal (MDPDT).
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (LFN Cap M8 2004)
Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria (2008)
Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023)
MDCN Policy Circulars on Professional Conduct & Communications
“Defamation is not advocacy.” — MDCN
The Council encourages constructive engagement and professional advocacy through verified channels. Defamatory or misleading social media posts undermine the medical profession and will attract appropriate disciplinary action.
