Teesside University Faces Backlash from Nigerian Students Over Visa Crisis

The Nigerian students claim that despite making efforts to pay their fees, the university failed to communicate effectively with them and, in some cases, reported them to the Home Office for visa cancellation. This action has led to at least some students being required to leave the UK within 60 days.

Jun 23, 2024 - 09:21

Teesside University Faces Backlash from Nigerian Students Over Visa Crisis

Some Nigerian students at Teesside University in England are protesting the institution's handling of a visa crisis arising from financial difficulties linked to Nigeria's currency devaluation. The students accuse the university of mishandling their situations and have refused offers to fund their return flights home.

The issue began when the economic downturn in Nigeria significantly devalued the naira against the pound, leaving many students unable to meet their tuition fees on time. Teesside University, in response, altered payment arrangements from seven installments to three, exacerbating the financial strain on affected students.

The Nigerian students claim that despite making efforts to pay their fees, the university failed to communicate effectively with them and, in some cases, reported them to the Home Office for visa cancellation. This action has led to at least some students being required to leave the UK within 60 days.

In response to the outcry, Teesside University has opened an International Relief Fund to assist affected students with unexpected travel costs. They state that while some students may need to return home temporarily, arrangements are being made for others to continue their studies either online or upon their return to the UK.

The situation has broader implications for UK universities, especially in terms of international student recruitment from countries experiencing economic instability. Nigerian student representatives have called for the university to reinstate affected students, revoke visa cancellations, and renegotiate payment agreements.

Teesside University maintains that it followed proper procedures regarding late payments and that decisions on visa cancellations are ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office. They continue to engage with Nigerian student representatives and government officials to find resolutions on a case-by-case basis.

The controversy underscores challenges faced by international students amid economic uncertainties and institutional responses, raising concerns about the support and treatment of international students in such situations.