Support Initiative Announced
Teesside University in the United Kingdom (UK) has initiated a flight support for Nigerian students expelled for financial difficulties, alongside other relief measures. The university will fund flights home for these students, according to a BBC report on Tuesday. This initiative follows a wave of expulsions due to students’ inability to pay tuition fees. On May 22, 2024, several Nigerian students were expelled from the school for failing to pay tuition fee, because of financial challenges, caused by the current Nigeria economic crisis, and a change in the form of installment payment plan by the school.
Impact on Students
The financial hardship faced by these students has been severe. In fact, a local food charity reported that 75% of its clients are now Nigerian students. Moreover, many students found themselves locked out of the university portal, reported to the Home Office, and mandated to leave the UK based on strict external regulations.
Government and Student Union Intervention
On May 29, 2024, a delegation led by Ambassador Christian Okeke from the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with the university’s management to seek a resolution. Following these discussions and student protests, the university has re-enrolled some affected students and opened a relief fund.
Relief Measures by Teesside University
A spokesperson for Teesside University stated, “We are working with a small group who need to return to their home country and are opening an international relief fund to offer additional financial support for these unexpected travel costs.” The university is also offering some students the option to complete their studies remotely from Nigeria or to return to the UK at a later date.
Continuing Legal Appeals
Some students have lodged legal appeals against the expulsions. Additionally, the BBC understands that these students are challenging the university’s actions, seeking to continue their education without the financial burden that led to their initial removal. In response, the university’s new initiative aims to alleviate some of the immediate pressures faced by these students.
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