Naira devaluation: Nigeria government intervenes in UK varsity students’ deportation ordeal

Delegates from the Nigerian High Commission in London are set to meet with officials from Teesside University to address the situation of Nigerian students who were ordered to leave the UK due to unpaid tuition fees.

The Nigerian students, facing involuntary withdrawal from their courses, have reported severe distress, with some experiencing suicidal thoughts. This situation has been labelled a “serious diplomatic issue,” according to The Guardian UK.

Arbiterz reported that some Nigerian students at Teesside University, United Kingdom, were thrown off their courses and ordered to leave the UK after the devaluation of the naira left them struggling to pay tuition fees as and when due.

Nigeria has become an increasingly important market for UK universities, with over 44,000 Nigerian students enrolled in the 2021-22 academic year. Concerns are now growing that potential students might reconsider studying in the UK.

Yemi Soile, founder and head coordinator of the Nigerian Students’ Union UK, criticised Teesside University for neglecting its duty of care. “Students were not supported. Their mental health and wellbeing were not considered,” he stated.

Soile explained that approximately 60 Teesside students fell behind on their tuition payments due to a significant depreciation in their savings caused by a currency crash. He also alleged that students were misled regarding repayment terms. Initially, they believed fees could be paid in seven instalments, but this changed to three instalments at the start of the 2023-24 academic year.

One student had to sell his house in Nigeria to settle his debts, while others, after being removed from their courses, were given 60 days to leave the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.

The university has since issued an apology. A spokesperson mentioned that affected students have been offered mental health support and individual consultations with specialist staff. “Where possible, solutions have been found to support them to continue or complete their studies,” the spokesperson added.

According to Soile, 21 students still face unresolved issues and may have to return to Nigeria to complete their studies remotely. “This is a serious diplomatic issue,” he reiterated. “People have decided to come all the way here. They sell their properties, they leave everything, and then we’re telling them to go back, just like that, to nothing?”

The university expressed its willingness to engage with various Nigerian agencies and welcomed a meeting with representatives from the Nigerian High Commission.

A university spokesperson explained, “Students who fail to make their agreed tuition payments receive multiple communications and are offered support for revised payment plans. Withdrawal of student access is a last resort. Once withdrawn, the university must report this to the Home Office, which may then issue a visa cancellation notice. A very small number of students are in this position, and we are working to support them on a case-by-case basis.”

Universities UK, representing 142 institutions, noted that many Nigerian students are experiencing financial difficulties due to the currency crisis that began last year.

Approximately 1,000 students at the University of Sussex, including those from Nigeria and Iran, have been warned they may not be able to graduate or re-register for the next academic year if they fail to settle outstanding debts. Sussex University stated that no students would be removed from their courses this academic year due to unpaid debts, but set a deadline of 31 May to review the situation and communicate next steps to students.

A UUK spokesperson said, “In these very difficult circumstances for students, universities have sought to work with students to understand their circumstances and provide what assistance they can. This may include flexibility in fee payment schedules, deferring enrolments, refunding deposits, and offering support and advice to those already in the UK. However, visa and immigration rules mean that universities may need to withdraw sponsorship if a student cannot complete their studies, though this is always a last resort.”

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