The drastic devaluation of Nigeria’s currency and high inflation have severely impacted Nigerian students at Teesside University in the UK, leading many to discontinue their studies and leave the country due to their inability to pay tuition fees on time. Despite their pleas and efforts to negotiate payment plans, the university enforced strict visa compliance rules, resulting in students’ accounts being frozen and their visas revoked, as non-payment breaches the conditions of their visa sponsorship.

Affected students reported severe emotional distress and inadequate support from the university, despite the institution’s claims of offering individualized assistance and flexible payment options. “I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and attended all of my classes,” said Adenike Ibrahim, who was nearing the completion of her dissertation when she missed a payment. Despite settling her outstanding fees later, she was not allowed to re-enroll and was instructed to leave the UK with her young son.

The economic downturn in Nigeria, described as the worst in decades, has hit hard, with inflation nearing 30%. Recent government attempts to introduce a new currency have exacerbated the situation, causing the students’ pre-verified funds to cover tuition and living expenses to dwindle significantly. Additionally, changes at the university from a seven-installment tuition fee payment plan to three installments compounded the students’ financial troubles.

A university spokesperson stated that non-payment breached the conditions of the students’ visa sponsorship, leaving the university with “no choice” but to inform the Home Office. The Home Office clarified that decisions regarding visa sponsorship are the responsibility of the educational institution. “We are doing every effort to assist affected students by offering individual meetings with specialist staff and creating customized payment plans upon request,” said the spokesperson. However, students like Esther Obigwe, who repeatedly attempted to discuss her financial difficulties with the university, reported receiving no response until she was blocked from her studies and ordered to leave the country.

The students’ plight has drawn attention to the broader issue of relying on backup generators due to inadequate power supply in Nigeria, affecting many businesses and households. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that Nigerians rely on backup generators to cover about 40% of their electricity needs. This crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power supply problems and highlights the challenges faced by international students in navigating financial and bureaucratic hurdles in their pursuit of education abroad.