The Federal Government has taken action to address recent deportation orders against Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom. A delegation, led by Nigerian Embassy representative Ambassador Christian Okeke and leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, will meet with the university’s management to find a resolution.
This initiative follows a virtual meeting chaired by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and attended by Ambassador Okeke, Nigerian Students Union UK President Yemi Soile, and several affected students on Sunday. NiDCOM spokesperson Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the students discussed their challenges and expressed hope for a positive outcome. Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged the students to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. She appealed to Teesside University to treat the students fairly and justly.
The issue gained traction after some Nigerian students at Teesside University protested on May 22, 2024, against directives to leave the UK due to non-payment of school fees. The students cited the devaluation of the naira as a significant barrier to meeting their financial obligations, which has led to breaches of their visa sponsorship requirements.
Several students have been locked out of their university accounts, reported to the Home Office, and instructed to leave the UK. The university has stated that strict external regulations necessitate these actions.
The affected students, numbering 60, have expressed distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive. They have banded together to seek assistance after witnessing 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One student, Adenike Ibrahim, was on the verge of graduating when her visa was revoked, despite having paid 90% of her tuition fees.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,” Adeike said, adding 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 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.
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 the institution’s commitment to its diverse student body but noted that they must adhere to strict visa regulations. The spokesperson added 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.
