Stranded Nigerian Students In UK Receive Relief Following NIDCOM Intervention

Nigerian students, stranded in the United Kingdom (UK) are relieved because an amicable payment solution has been reached to cover their tuition fees.
Teesside University reportedly stopped 60 Nigerian students from attending lectures, reported them to the Home Office, and ordered them to leave the UK for failing to pay tuition.
The students later blamed the depreciation of the naira for their failure to meet visa sponsorship requirements.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), announced on Thursday at a press conference ahead of the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations scheduled for July 25, in Abuja, that an amicable payment solution has been agreed upon between the school and the affected students as a result of NIDCOM intervention.
Responding to a question about Teesside University in the United Kingdom, Dabiri-Erewa stated: “The university has devised a more compassionate payment method. Students are going to pay their fees. It is not charity, but they have come up with some more convenient solutions.
“For those who were almost finished with payment and were told to leave, they agreed to pay their fees but not receive their certificate until they completed their payment.”
The NiDCOM boss also stated that Teesside University was not the only institution affected; many other universities have Nigerian students experiencing similar issues.
She stated, “We are working closely with student organisations in the UK and the Nigerian Mission to address these challenges.”
Speaking about the upcoming 2024 Diaspora Day celebration, Dabiri-Erewa stated that the focus would be on Japa and its consequences, emphasising that Japa must be done in a profitable manner rather than blindly.
While acknowledging the push factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and living standards, the NIDCOM stated that the country should focus on how to benefit from migration.
She emphasised the importance of proper migration, stating that irregular migration is discouraged due to its negative consequences.
She stated that the theme for this year’s National Diaspora Day, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” reflected growing concerns about the demographic most affected by this migration: Nigeria’s youth.
“Factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and a low standard of living are among the leading causes of Nigerian exodus abroad.
“The consequence of this phenomenon is a decline in strong human resources, as the majority of Nigerians relocating are youths. This hurts labour and productivity in the country.”
She noted that, despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians to shift their perspective and see the bright side of the situation.
She said, “We must turn our lemons into lemonade. Today, we change the narrative by honouring the vibrant Nigerians who are making positive contributions to the Diaspora and making the country proud.
“Also, those who, while abroad, contribute positively to national development.”
The term ‘japa’ comes from the Yoruba words ‘ja’ and ‘pa’, which mean “to break free,” and has become Nigerian slang for moving abroad in search of better opportunities.