A delegation from the Nigerian High Commission in London is due to meet Teesside university officials to discuss the fate of a group of students who were told to leave the UK for failing to repay their tuition fees.
Nigerian students have been forced to leave classes, leaving them feeling mentally unstable and some even suicidal, which has been described as a “serious diplomatic issue.”
Nigeria has become a growing market for university applicants in recent years, with more than 44,000 students enrolled at UK universities for the 2021-22 academic year. There are now concerns that prospective students may turn their attention elsewhere.
Yemi Soyuru, founder and head coordinator of the Nigerian Students Union UK, accused Teesside University of failing in its duty of care. “There was no support for students. Their mental health and wellbeing was not taken into consideration,” he said.
Mr Soyle said around 60 students at Teesside High School were behind on their tuition fees payments because the currency collapse had eroded their savings.
Soylu also claimed they were misled about repayment: they came to the UK under the impression they could pay their fees in seven instalments, but learned at the start of the 2023-24 academic year that the terms had changed to three instalments, Soylu said.
One student was forced to sell his home in Nigeria to repay his debts, while others were removed from their courses and given 60 days to leave the country by UK Visas and Immigration.
The university has since apologised, and a spokesman said affected students were offered mental health support and individual meetings with specialist staff, and “where possible, solutions are found to help them continue or complete their studies”.
Soyle said the case of the 21 Teesside High School students was still unresolved and they may have to return to Nigeria and complete their studies remotely. “This is a serious diplomatic issue,” he said.
He added: “People have decided to come here, they have sold their property, they have left everything behind, and now we are telling them to go back to nothing?”
The university said it was in dialogue with various Nigerian institutions and would welcome meetings with representatives of the Nigerian High Commission.
A university spokesman said: “We have offered support on multiple occasions with amended payment plans to students who have failed to make their agreed tuition fees payments and the decision to revoke a student’s access is only a last resort.”
“If someone withdraws, their university is required to report it to the Home Office, who may issue a visa cancellation notice. Only a small number of students are in this situation and we are working to support them on a case-by-case basis.”
After newsletter promotion
Universities UK, which represents 142 universities, said many students from Nigeria were facing financial difficulties as a result of the currency crisis that began last year.
Around 1,000 students at the University of Sussex – from Nigeria, Iran and other economically struggling countries – have been warned they may not graduate or be able to re-register for the following academic year if they fail to pay their outstanding fees.
The University of Sussex said no students will be removed from their courses this year for outstanding debt, but a deadline has been set for May 31 after which the situation will be reviewed and next steps communicated to students.
A UUK spokesman said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for students, and universities have worked hard to work with them to understand their situation and offer them all the help they can. This includes offering flexibility around tuition fee payment schedules, deferrals and fee refunds for prospective students who are worried they can no longer afford their fees, and offering support and advice to students already in the UK.”
“However, due to visa and immigration regulations, unfortunately the university may have to withdraw sponsorship if a student is unable to complete their studies. However, this is always a last resort.”“
