UK University Adjusts Payment Plans For Nigerian Students—-The federal government has announced that Teesside University in the United Kingdom (UK) has introduced a more flexible payment scheme for its Nigerian students.
This update was shared by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024 on July 25.
Previously, Teesside University’s change from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan had exacerbated financial difficulties for many Nigerian students.
On May 22, 2024, several Nigerian students at the university were ordered to leave the UK due to delays in paying their tuition fees, a consequence of the naira’s devaluation impacting their ability to meet financial obligations, thus breaching visa sponsorship requirements.
Students faced severe consequences including being locked out of their university accounts, reported to the Home Office, and mandated to leave the UK. The university cited strict external regulations as the reason behind these actions.
Sixty affected students expressed their distress, criticizing the university for its perceived lack of support. They united to seek assistance from the university to avoid facing harsh penalties for late payments.
In response, the Federal Government intervened on May 29, 2024, to address the deportation orders. A delegation, including Nigerian Embassy representative Amb. Christian Okeke and leaders from the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with the university’s management to seek a resolution.
Providing an update, Dabiri-Erewa stated that while students must still pay their fees, the new arrangements are intended to be more manageable. For those near completion of their payments and facing expulsion, an agreement was reached allowing them to complete their payments and receive their certificates once fully paid.
“Teesside University has introduced a more compassionate payment method. The students are still required to pay their fees, but the process is now more convenient. Those close to finishing their payments, who were told to leave, will receive their certificates once all fees are settled,” she explained.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted that this issue extends beyond Teesside University, affecting Nigerian students in various other institutions. She emphasized that NiDCOM is working closely with student organizations in the UK and the Nigerian Mission to tackle these challenges.
Highlighting the broader issues driving Nigerian migration, she cited economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards as primary factors. This year’s National Diaspora Day theme, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” addresses the growing migration trend among Nigerian youth.
“Economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards are major reasons for the exodus of Nigerians abroad. This phenomenon leads to a decline in strong human resources, primarily affecting the youth, which in turn impacts labor and productivity in Nigeria,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
Despite these challenges, she urged a shift in perspective, encouraging Nigerians to celebrate the positive contributions of those in the diaspora.
“We need to turn our lemons into lemonade. Today, we celebrate the vibrant Nigerians making positive impacts abroad and contributing to national development,” she concluded.
