Nigerian students in UK face expulsion and deportation amid naira devaluation crisis
A significant number of Nigerian students in the United Kingdom are facing expulsion from their universities and subsequent deportation due to difficulties in paying tuition fees, following the sharp devaluation of the naira.
The situation has forced some students to breach their visa sponsorship requirements, leading to severe consequences, Punch NG reported.
At Teesside University, several students have been blocked from continuing their studies, reported to the Home Office, and ordered to leave the UK. One of these students, Adenike Ibrahim, was close to graduating when her visa was revoked despite having paid 90% of her tuition fees.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 is quoted. I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students."
Ibrahim's situation has been especially distressing for her and her son. "For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept and I don’t understand why this is happening to us. We didn’t do anything wrong," she said.
Teesside University stated that strict regulations are in place to support a robust immigration system and are beyond the university's control. "These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the university’s control," a university spokesperson said.
Adding that "This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans."
