Nigerian Students at Teesside University Ordered to Leave UK Amid Currency Crisis
Vice Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya explained that the students, who had initially demonstrated sufficient funds, found their savings depleted due to inflation and currency devaluation. The university's change in tuition fee payment plans from seven to three installments further exacerbated the issue.
Nigerian students at Teesside University have been expelled from their courses and ordered to leave the UK due to unpaid tuition fees, following a severe currency crisis in Nigeria. The economic downturn, marked by a significant drop in the value of the naira, has left many students unable to pay their fees on time, leading to their removal from the university and reporting to the Home Office.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya explained that the students, who had initially demonstrated sufficient funds, found their savings depleted due to inflation and currency devaluation. The university's change in tuition fee payment plans from seven to three installments further exacerbated the issue.
Affected students, many of whom had paid a significant portion of their fees, described feeling suicidal and accused the university of being "heartless." The university stated it had to comply with visa sponsorship requirements, which necessitate reporting non-paying students to the Home Office. Despite offering bespoke payment plans, some students still defaulted.
The Home Office confirmed that visa sponsorship decisions rest with the educational institutions, and students whose visas are shortened or canceled must regularize their stay or leave the UK.