Nigerian Students In UK Dropped Off Over Struggle To Pay Tuition

A group of Nigerian students were dismissed from their university courses and told to leave the United Kingdom after failing to pay tuition fees on time, according to the BBC.

Teesside University students have stated that the devaluation of the naira has made it difficult for them to pay their tuition fees, resulting in a violation of visa sponsorship requirements.

Some students have been barred from continuing their education, reported to the Home Office, and forced to leave the UK.

The institution argues that it has no choice but to take this measure, citing rigorous external rules.

Affected students have expressed their dissatisfaction and sadness.

The group of 60 students, who chose to share their names with the BBC, banded together to encourage the institution to provide assistance after several of their colleagues suffered serious consequences for failing to pay.

These students were abruptly shut out of their university accounts and forced to withdraw from their classes.

On Tuesday, May 21, students conducted a peaceful protest on campus to express their dissatisfaction.

Adenike Ibrahim, a student about to graduate, had her visa revoked and was instructed to leave the country despite having paid 90% of her tuition.

“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes,” she told BBC.

“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.

“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ibrahim added.

Esther Obigwe, another afflicted student, has suffered from depression as a result of the incident.

She alleges she frequently attempted to contact with the university about her financial difficulties but received no answer until she was barred from furthering her education and given notice to leave the country.

Jude Salubi, a student pursuing a degree in social work, was abruptly notified that his access to the university would be revoked and that he would be forced to leave the country, while being in the middle of a critical placement.

A university spokesman said, “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli