At least 60 Nigerian students at Teesside University have been expelled and ordered to leave the UK for failing to pay tuition fees on time, citing the naira’s devaluation as the cause of their financial difficulties.
This failure breached their visa sponsorship conditions, forcing them to halt their studies and report to the UK Home Office. The university stated that strict external regulations necessitated this action.
However, the affected students expressed frustration, accusing the university of being unsupportive and denying them access to their accounts and courses.
Nigerian students facing deportation over tuition fees lament the ordeal
Adenike Ibrahim told BBC;
“I did default (on payments), but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees, and I went to all of my classes.
“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students. It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him.”
Esther Obigwe bemoaned depression;
“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student. It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.
“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept, and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us; we didn’t do anything wrong.”
Jude Salubi added:
“As of now, I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000. I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re-enrolled into school and my visa restored.”
UK university on termination of students visas
The university’s spokesperson stated,
“Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.
“These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the university’s control.”
“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans.”
