Nigerian Students Forced To Leave UK University Over Tuition Fees Issue

A group of Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom have been ordered to leave the country due to difficulties in paying their tuition fees on time, as reported by BBC.

The students attribute their challenges to the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the naira, making it harder to meet financial obligations, resulting in a violation of visa sponsorship guidelines.

Consequently, some students have been blocked from continuing their studies, reported to the Home Office, and instructed to exit the UK.

The university claims that it is compelled to take such actions due to stringent external regulations in place.

Around 60 students from Teesside University, including individuals like Adenike Ibrahim, Esther Obigwe, and Jude Salubi, have united in expressing their disappointment and distress over the university’s handling of the situation.

Adenike Ibrahim, who had paid 90% of her tuition fees and was close to graduation, had her visa revoked after falling behind on payments.

Esther Obigwe, another affected student, struggled with depression after repeatedly trying to address her financial challenges with the university before being directed to leave the UK.

Jude Salubi, pursuing a degree in social work, was asked to leave the country midway through a critical placement, despite efforts to work extra hours to clear his outstanding fees.

A spokesperson for the university emphasized that these actions were taken in line with visa compliance obligations and that they have offered customized payment plans to assist students in financial difficulty.

The Home Office clarified that decisions on visa sponsorship rest with the sponsoring institution and advised affected individuals on their options following visa shortening or cancellation.