Nigerian Students Ordered to Leave UK Due to Unpaid Tuition Fees Amid Currency Crisis

Several Nigerian students at Teesside University have been ordered to leave the United Kingdom after falling behind on their tuition fees, largely due to the currency crisis and devaluation of the Nigerian naira.

According to documents obtained by the BBC, these students have been informed that they have no right to appeal the decision.

The Middlesbrough-based university in north-east England reported the situation to the British Home Office after a group of Nigerian students failed to pay the final instalment of their international student fees, which are advertised on the institution’s website at £15,000-a-year (US$19,096).

International students must initially pay £8,000 in advance tuition fees along with the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) charge, bringing the total initial payment to £9,260.

Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs while studying in the UK, as required by Home Office visa regulations, and are expected to pay the remaining balance 28 days before the start of their programme.

The severe economic downturn in Nigeria, considered the worst in a generation, has led to a significant depreciation of the naira, making it difficult for students to pay their tuition fees on time.

A spokesperson for Teesside University acknowledged the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria and stated that the university has “made every effort to support affected students to mitigate the impact of the crisis on their learning experience.”

This support included offering “bespoke payment plans” which have assisted over 2,000 international students.

However, the spokesperson noted that a small number of students remain withdrawn on financial grounds despite these efforts.