Teesside University has ordered students from Nigeria to discontinue their studies and leave the UK due to non-payment of fees.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the students, who had their savings wiped out by the devaluation of the naira, were reported to the Home Office and blocked from their studies. Some students have spoken out about feeling suicidal due to the university’s “heartless” approach.
The students had been told to show proof of funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses before starting their studies.
Nigerian Economic Crisis
However, due to the economic crisis in Nigeria, their funds were significantly depleted. Despite paying 90% of their tuition fees, some students were kicked off their courses and reported to the Home Office.
The university claims it has made “every effort” to support affected students and has offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans.
However, students say they have received no response to their pleas for help and have been left feeling distressed and suicidal.
The Home Office has cancelled the students’ permission to enter the UK and told them to leave the country, with no right of appeal or administrative review.
The students are devastated and feel they have been treated unfairly, having spent significant amounts of money to study in the UK.
The university claims it is bound by strict external regulations regarding visa issuance and compliance, but students feel they have been abandoned in their time of need.
The situation is a result of the economic crisis in Nigeria, which has had a significant impact on Nigerian students at UK universities.