Key Points
- Teesside University in the UK has introduced a more compassionate payment method for Nigerian students.
- Students are still required to pay their tuition fees, but the new arrangements aim to make the process more manageable.
- Students near completion of their payments can now finish paying and receive their certificates once all fees are settled.
Teesside University in the United Kingdom has introduced a more compassionate payment method for Nigerian students, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), announced during a press conference on Thursday.
Also Read: Shattered dreams: How naira devaluation sent Nigerian students out of UK varsity
This announcement comes ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024, set for July 25 in Abuja.
Compassionate Payment Method
Dabiri-Erewa explained that while Nigerian students are still required to pay their tuition fees, Teesside University has devised new payment arrangements to make the process more manageable. This development aims to ease the financial burden on students who have been struggling to meet their obligations.
“For those who were almost done with payment and were told to leave, they have agreed that they would pay their fees but would not receive their certificate until they completed their payment,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “The students are going to pay their fees. It is not charity, but they have devised ways that can be a bit more convenient.”
Broader Impact on Nigerian Students
The NiDCOM Chairman noted that Teesside University is not the only institution where Nigerian students face financial challenges.
Many other universities in the UK have similar issues, prompting NiDCOM to work closely with student organisations and the Nigerian Mission to find solutions.
Economic Instability and Migration
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards in Nigeria as primary drivers behind the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad. This year’s National Diaspora Day theme, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” reflects concerns over the demographic most affected by this migration—Nigeria’s youth.
“Factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate standard of living are ranked high among reasons for the exodus of Nigerians abroad,” she noted. “The consequence of this phenomenon is the decline of strong human resources because most of the Nigerians relocating are the youths. This, in turn, makes a downward turn on labour and productivity in the country.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa called for a change in perspective, urging Nigerians to see the positive aspects of the situation.
“We have to turn our lemons into lemonade. Today, we change the story by celebrating those vibrant Nigerians who are making positive impacts in the Diaspora and making the country very proud. Also, those who, while abroad, are contributing positively to national development,” she emphasised.
Financial Hardships and Expulsions
The financial crisis in Nigeria, compounded by Teesside University’s shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan, left many students struggling. A local food charity reported that 75 per cent of its clients are now Nigerian students, underscoring the extent of their financial hardship.
On May 22, 2024, a group of Nigerian students at Teesside University were expelled and ordered to leave the UK due to difficulties in paying their tuition fees on time. The devaluation of the naira was a significant barrier, 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.
Government Intervention
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government of Nigeria stepped in.
On May 29, 2024, a delegation led by Amb. Christian Okeke from the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with Teesside University’s management to seek a resolution.
Also Read: Naira devaluation: Nigeria government intervenes in UK varsity students’ deportation ordeal
The affected students, numbering 60, expressed deep distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive. They banded together to urge the university for assistance after witnessing severe consequences for late payments. The new compassionate payment method is a significant step towards alleviating their financial burdens and ensuring they can complete their education.
