A group of Nigerian students at Teesside University in the UK have expressed their distress after being removed from their courses and ordered to leave the country due to unpaid fees, a consequence of the dramatic depreciation of Nigeria’s currency, the naira. The university’s decision to withdraw these students and inform the Home Office has sparked protests and accusations of insensitivity from the affected individuals.
The situation has arisen following a significant crash in the value of the naira, which has severely impacted the savings of many Nigerian students studying abroad. This economic downturn in Nigeria is linked to recent reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, intended to stabilize and balance the nation’s economy. However, the immediate effects have been devastating for many, leading to a nearly 30% inflation rate and a drastic increase in the cost of essential goods.
Teesside University stated that the decision to remove students who missed fee instalments was unavoidable due to the breach of visa sponsorship rules. According to the university, they have taken measures to assist the affected students, including offering customized payment plans. Despite these efforts, the university maintained that it had no alternative but to comply with strict visa regulations, which are beyond its control.
A university spokesperson elaborated on the institution’s stance, emphasizing its pride in being a global educational entity with a diverse student body. The spokesperson also highlighted the university’s commitment to adhering to external regulations that support a robust immigration system, underscoring that the decision was not made lightly but was necessitated by compliance obligations.
Among the students affected is Adenike Ibrahim, who shared her experience with the BBC. Ibrahim was on the verge of submitting her dissertation when she was removed from her course due to her inability to make a payment. Despite eventually settling her fees in full, she is now required to leave the UK with her young son and is unable to re-enroll in her program. She expressed her frustration, noting that although she had defaulted on payments, she had already paid 90% of her tuition fees and attended all her classes. Ibrahim recounted her attempts to negotiate with the university, only to find that her efforts were in vain.
The economic crisis in Nigeria has had far-reaching consequences for its citizens, including those studying abroad. Many Nigerians have resorted to reducing portion sizes and consuming food typically fed to livestock to cope with the soaring prices. This dire situation has been documented and shared widely on social media, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
The Home Office, responding to the situation, stated that the decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship lies with the sponsoring institution. They emphasized that individuals whose visas are shortened or cancelled must take steps to regularize their stay in the UK or make arrangements to leave. In a letter to the affected students, the Home Office indicated that there was no right to appeal the decision.
The response from Teesside University has been met with criticism from the affected students, who accuse the institution of being heartless and indifferent to their plight. During a protest outside the campus, students voiced their concerns, calling for more compassion and understanding from the university.
The broader context of this issue lies in the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, which, while aimed at long-term stability, have created immediate hardships for many, particularly those with financial obligations abroad. The university’s position reflects the challenging balance between regulatory compliance and the welfare of its international student population.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by international students during times of economic instability in their home countries. The affected Nigerian students at Teesside University are caught in a difficult predicament, navigating the intersection of financial hardship, educational aspirations, and immigration regulations.
