Relief for Stranded Nigerian Students in the UK Following NIDCOM Intervention
Stranded Nigerian Students in the UK Receive Relief Following NIDCOM Intervention
Stranded Nigerian students in the United Kingdom have found relief after an amicable payment solution was reached regarding their tuition fees.
Reports indicate that at least 60 Nigerian students at Teesside University faced suspension from classes and were reported to the Home Office for non-payment of their tuition fees, which led to orders to leave the UK. The students attributed their predicament to the devaluation of the naira, which affected their ability to meet visa sponsorship requirements.
A Nigerian Medical doctor family made a case for the stranded student in 2021 during the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
During a press conference on Thursday, ahead of the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations scheduled for July 25 in Abuja, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced that an agreement had been reached between the university and the affected students, following NIDCOM’s intervention.
Dabiri-Erewa addressed inquiries about the situation at Teesside University, stating, “The university has implemented a more compassionate payment plan. The students will be able to pay their fees, not as charity, but through a structured process that is more manageable. For those who were nearly finished with their payments but were asked to leave, an arrangement has been made where they can pay their fees, although they will not receive their certificates until the payments are completed.”
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The NIDCOM chair also highlighted that Teesside University is not alone in facing such challenges, as other institutions have similar issues involving Nigerian students. She added, “We are collaborating closely with student organizations in the UK and the Nigerian mission to address these challenges.”
Regarding the upcoming 2024 Diaspora Day celebration, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the theme: “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development.” She explained that discussions would center on the phenomenon of “Japa”—a Yoruba term that translates to “break free” and has become slang for relocating abroad in search of better opportunities—and its consequences.
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged several push factors, including economic instability, security concerns, and living standards, while emphasizing the need to harness the benefits of migration. She stressed that irregular migration should be discouraged due to its adverse effects.
“The factors driving the exodus of Nigerians overseas, such as economic instability and security issues, are significant,” she stated. “This phenomenon results in a decline in strong human resources, as many of those relocating are the youth. This, in turn, negatively impacts labor and productivity within Nigeria.”
Despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa urged a shift in perspective, encouraging Nigerians to recognize the positive aspects of the situation. “We must turn our lemons into lemonade. Today, we celebrate the vibrant Nigerians making positive contributions in the diaspora and enhancing the country’s reputation.”
The discussion on Japa is crucial, especially as many Nigerians seek better opportunities abroad, reflecting broader dynamics in the nation’s development and migration patterns.
