Nigerian Students Forced to Leave UK University Amid Currency Crisis
Teesside University took this action after some students’ savings were wiped out when the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted. Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with nearly 30% inflation in economic commodities. A university spokesperson emphasized that Teesside University complies with strict external regulations regarding visa issuance. The Home Office clarified that the decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship lies solely with the institution, and students have no right to appeal this decision.
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Nigerian students at a UK university have been removed from their courses and ordered to leave the UK due to a currency crisis that left them struggling to pay tuition fees on time.
Teesside University took this action after some students’ savings were wiped out when the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted. Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with nearly 30% inflation in economic commodities.
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The affected students protested outside the campus, accusing the university of being “heartless.” However, the university stated that it had “no choice” as failure to pay constituted a breach of visa sponsorship rules. Despite efforts to assist the students, including bespoke payment plans, the decision was made to withdraw them.
Reports indicate that 60 students sought help from the university after defaulting on their fees due to the currency crisis. One student, Adenike Ibrahim, shared her experience with the BBC. She had paid 90% of her tuition fees and attended all her classes but was still removed from her course. Although she has now paid her fees in full, she must leave the UK along with her young son and cannot re-enroll. “I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes,” she told the broadcaster. “I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students", she explained.
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Teesside University, unlike most UK institutions, allows students to pay fees in installments, provided they demonstrate sufficient funds for fees and living expenses.
A university spokesperson emphasized that Teesside University complies with strict external regulations regarding visa issuance. The Home Office clarified that the decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship lies solely with the institution, and students have no right to appeal this decision
