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.