Nigerian students at Teesside University are being forced out of their courses and ordered to leave the UK due to a severe currency crisis in Nigeria, which has made it difficult for them to pay their tuition fees on time.
The students, whose savings have been significantly devalued by the plummeting naira, have been blocked from their studies and reported to the Home Office. Many have expressed feelings of despair and accused the university of being insensitive to their situation.
A spokesperson from the university stated that not paying fees breaches visa sponsorship rules, and they had no choice but to notify the Home Office. The Home Office emphasized that visa sponsorship decisions are up to the educational institution.
Nigeria is experiencing a profound economic downturn, with inflation nearing 34% and a dramatic devaluation of its currency, largely due to a failed currency replacement effort by the president. This economic turmoil has severely impacted Nigerian students in the UK, who had to demonstrate financial stability before starting their studies.
These students’ financial woes worsened when Teesside University changed its tuition fee payment plan from seven installments to three, making it harder for them to keep up with payments.
A group of 60 students, who shared their experiences with the BBC, sought help from the university after many were excluded from their studies for missed payments. Some were also contacted by debt collection agencies hired by the university.
One student, Adenike Ibrahim, was nearing the completion of her dissertation when she missed a payment and was expelled from her course and reported to the Home Office. Despite paying the outstanding fees, she was not re-enrolled and was told she and her young son must leave the UK.
“I paid 90% of my tuition fees and attended all my classes,” Ibrahim said. “I asked to make an arrangement, but the university was unresponsive.”
The emotional toll has been significant, with Ibrahim describing the experience as “horrendous” and devastating for her son.
The Home Office informed these students that their visas were canceled because they were no longer enrolled. The letters provided a departure date and stated that there was no right to appeal.
One master’s student, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the situation led him to contemplate suicide and left him unable to eat or drink.
Teesside University claims it has tried to support affected students, offering individual meetings with staff and customized payment plans. However, many students, like Esther Obigwe, felt ignored until they were excluded and told to leave the country.
Obigwe said, “I’ve been a very active student, yet now I’m on antidepressants and struggling to cope alone. I’ve barely eaten or slept for months.”
Jude Salubi, a social work student, was in the middle of a placement when he was suspended and ordered to leave. Despite paying £14,000 and still owing £14,000, he expressed willingness to negotiate but needs assurance of re-enrollment and visa restoration.
Some students have managed to clear their debts, but the university can no longer intervene with the Home Office’s decisions.
Teesside University reiterated its commitment to supporting its diverse student body while complying with visa regulations. They acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by some students and highlighted their efforts to offer tailored payment plans. The Home Office maintains that visa sponsorship decisions lie with the institutions and advises affected individuals to regularize their stay or prepare to leave the UK.
