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UK varsity expels Nigerian students over unpaid fees
UK varsity expels Nigerian students over unpaid fees
Nigerian students at Teesside University have been forced to leave their courses and face deportation after a currency crisis in Nigeria left them unable to pay their tuition fees on time.
The sharp depreciation of Nigeria’s naira has severely impacted their savings, leading to significant financial hardship.
Some students, speaking to the BBC, expressed feelings of despair and accused the university of being “heartless” in handling their financial difficulties. The university, however, maintained that it had no choice but to report non-paying students to the Home Office, as failure to pay tuition fees breaches visa sponsorship requirements. The Home Office reiterated that visa sponsorship decisions lie with the educational institution.
Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with average inflation nearing 34%. A recent attempt by the Nigerian president to replace old currency exacerbated the situation, causing the naira to depreciate by over 100% against the dollar within a year. This devaluation has severely depleted the funds students had initially shown to secure their visas and commence their studies.
The financial problems were compounded when Teesside University changed its tuition fee payment plan from seven installments to three, making it even more challenging for affected students to meet their financial obligations. As a result, several students found themselves frozen out of university accounts, involuntarily withdrawn from their courses, and reported to debt collection agencies.
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One such student, Adenike Ibrahim, was close to completing her dissertation after two years of study when she missed a payment. Despite subsequently paying her outstanding fees, she was not re-enrolled and was told she must leave the UK with her young son. “It has been heartbreaking for my son especially,” she said, describing the experience as “horrendous.”
The Home Office letters to students, seen by the BBC, state that their permission to stay in the UK has been canceled due to their cessation of studies, with no right of appeal against the decision. This has led to severe emotional distress among the students, with one anonymous master’s degree student admitting to suicidal thoughts.
Esther Obigwe, another affected student, said she had repeatedly tried to discuss her financial struggles with the university but received no response until she was blocked from her studies and told to leave the country. “I’m a very active student,” she said, now on antidepressants and struggling to eat or sleep due to the stress.
Jude Salubi, studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told he would have to leave the UK. Despite working weekends to pay off his fees, he still owed £14,000. “I need guarantees that I will be re-enrolled and my visa restored,” he said.
Teesside University stated that it had made “every effort” to support affected students, offering bespoke payment plans and individual meetings with specialist staff. However, some students still defaulted on these revised plans. The university emphasized its commitment to supporting a robust immigration system, noting that visa issuance and compliance are subject to strict external regulations.
As the Home Office can no longer intervene in the visa process for those who have managed to pay their outstanding fees, the affected students are left in a precarious situation, highlighting the profound impact of Nigeria’s economic crisis on its international students.
UK varsity expels Nigerian students over unpaid fees
(BBC)
News
FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday, said that the choice of who becomes senator in 2027 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should be determined solely by residents of the FCT, and not by the Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The former governor of Rivers State had dared Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, stating that he would ensure she did not return to the Senate in 2027.
Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.
Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.
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Adeyanju, responding to Wike on X, said that the Minister could not decide for the people because the FCT was not Rivers State, where election results were written with guns.
The human rights lawyer said, “FCT is not Rivers, where people write results and shoot guns. Even incumbent presidents get defeated in the FCT.
“I know these folks have 100% control of INEC and other rigging mechanisms, but the arrogance is truly uncalled for.
“Nigerian politicians are like power-drunk Nigerian celebrities and pastors who can boast openly about getting the police to lock you up, and they will eventually do it,” he said.
FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
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I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his talks with the south-east governors excluded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Tuesday, governors under the umbrella of the south-east governors’ forum resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the forum, announced this the resolution at the end of a meeting of the governors held in Enugu, Obasanjo also paid a solidarity visit to the southeast governors forum in the state.
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In a statement on Wednesday, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo special assistant on media affairs, said the ex-presidentand Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, met with south-east governors to discuss regional development.
The statement said that the meeting did not include discussions about the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.
“The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence,” the statement said.
“The regional development issues include that of security and infrastructure, economic and cooperative collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda.
I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.
Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.
“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.
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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”
Furthermore, the bill proposes streamlined sharing of personal data with robust data protection measures to safeguard privacy and foster public trust in data handling.
It also enhances administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely compliance with ID registration requirements.
Importantly, the bill advocates for replacing criminal penalties with administrative measures for non-use of NIN, aiming to encourage compliance without burdening individuals with severe legal consequences.
After debates, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill, marking a significant step toward potential reforms in Nigeria’s identity management system.
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
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