Nigerian Government Intervenes in Teesside University Deportation Row

The Nigerian government has stepped into the controversy surrounding Teesside University’s decision to deport Nigerian students over unpaid tuition fees.

A delegation led by Ambassador Christian Okeke and leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK will meet with university management to resolve the issue.

The students, who were expelled and ordered to leave the UK, claim they were unfairly treated due to circumstances beyond their control. The naira devaluation crisis had left them struggling to pay tuition fees on time.

Despite efforts to assist them with bespoke payment plans, the university cited compliance with UK immigration regulations as the reason for their expulsion.

Teesside University maintains that non-payment of fees constitutes a breach of visa sponsorship rules and that they had “no choice” but to enforce the measures. However, the affected students have accused the university of being “heartless” and “unfair.”

The Nigerian government’s intervention comes after a virtual meeting between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Ambassador Okeke, Yemi Soile, President of the Nigerian Students Union UK, and the affected students. The students expressed their ordeal and hoped for a positive resolution.

The delegation’s visit to Teesside University aims to address the allegations of unfair and unjust deportation orders served on Nigerian students.

The Nigerian government’s intervention seeks to ensure that the affected students receive a fair and just resolution to their predicament.