News
Teesside University Offers Flight Assistance to Nigerian Students Amid Financial Crisis
Teesside University in the UK has launched an initiative to aid Nigerian students facing financial hardship by funding their flights back home. This measure follows the expulsion of several students who were unable to pay their tuition fees, exacerbated by Nigeria’s economic difficulties and a shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan by the university.
The financial strain on these students has been severe, with a local food charity reporting that 75% of its clients are now Nigerian students. On May 22, 2024, a significant number of these students were expelled and ordered to leave the UK due to their inability to meet tuition payment deadlines, which led to breaches in their visa sponsorship requirements.
These students, numbering 60, expressed distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive. They highlighted the devaluation of the naira as a major obstacle to meeting their financial obligations.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government of Nigeria intervened. A delegation led by Amb. Christian Okeke from the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with Teesside University’s management to seek a resolution. This led to the re-enrollment of some affected students and the establishment of a relief fund by the university.
A university spokesperson 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 providing options for students to complete their studies remotely from Nigeria or return to the UK at a later date.
Some students have reportedly lodged legal appeals against the university’s actions. This situation highlights the broader issue of international students facing financial difficulties and the need for more supportive measures from educational institutions.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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