The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking steps to address the recent deportation orders issued against Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom.
A delegation led by Ambassador Christian Okeke from the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, is set to meet with the university’s management to find a resolution.
This decision followed a virtual meeting chaired by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. The meeting included Ambassador Okeke, Yemi Soile, President of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, and several affected students. The meeting took place on Sunday.
NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun shared details in a statement on Wednesday. During the meeting, the students explained their challenges and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
Dabiri-Erewa urged the students “to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands.” She also appealed to Teesside University to treat the students fairly and justly.
The issue gained attention after Nigerian students at Teesside University protested on May 22, 2024. The protest responded to directives from the university authorities for the students to leave the UK due to non-payment of school fees. The students cited the devaluation of the naira as a major barrier to meeting their financial obligations, leading to a breach of their visa sponsorship requirements.
Several students found themselves locked out of their university accounts, reported to the Home Office, and mandated to leave the UK. The university maintained that strict external regulations necessitated these actions.
The affected students, numbering 60, expressed deep distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive and “heartless.” They banded together to urge the university for assistance after witnessing their peers face severe consequences for late payments.
One student, Adenike Ibrahim, was on the verge of graduating when her visa was revoked, despite having paid 90% of her tuition fees. “I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and attended all my classes,” Ibrahim told the BBC. She added that attempts to reach an agreement with the university were futile, leaving her and her son in distress.
Another student, Esther Obigwe, shared that the ordeal has led to depression. She repeatedly sought help from the university regarding her financial struggles but was ignored until her studies were blocked, and she was notified to leave the country. “I attended all of my classes and seminars. It is disheartening; I am now on antidepressants and have nobody to talk to,” Obigwe said.
A social work student, Jude Salubi, was in the middle of a critical placement when he was informed that his access to the university was suspended, and he had to leave the UK. Despite having paid £14,000, he still owed another £14,000. “I am willing to come to an agreement on how to pay this, but I need guarantees that I will be re-enrolled and my visa restored,” Salubi stated.
A spokesperson for Teesside University emphasized that the institution was committed to its diverse student body but must adhere to strict visa regulations. The spokesperson noted that the university has offered customized payment plans to students in financial difficulty, but some have still defaulted.
The Home Office clarified that the decision to grant or withdraw visa sponsorship lies with the sponsoring institution. Individuals whose visas were shortened or canceled are advised to either regularize their stay or arrange to leave the UK.
