Teesside University Implements More Flexible Payment Options for Nigerian Students

Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024 that Teesside University in the United Kingdom has implemented a more compassionate approach to fee payments.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, while students are still required to settle their fees, the university has introduced measures to ease the financial burden.

“In response to the challenges faced by Nigerian students, Teesside University has introduced a more compassionate payment method. Students will fulfill their fee obligations, but the university has devised more flexible arrangements,” she explained.

She also noted that students nearing the completion of their payments, who were initially asked to leave, have now been granted an agreement allowing them to finalize their payments and receive their certificates upon full settlement of fees.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the issues at Teesside University are not isolated, as many other universities with Nigerian students are encountering similar challenges. She highlighted collaborative efforts between student organizations in the UK and Nigerian diplomatic missions to address these issues effectively.

Speaking on the broader implications of Nigerian migration abroad, Dabiri-Erewa underscored economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards as primary drivers. She highlighted the theme for this year’s National Diaspora Day, “Japa Phenomenon and its Implications for National Development,” which reflects concerns over the demographic impact of youth migration.

“Factors such as economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards are significant reasons behind the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad. This trend results in a loss of valuable human resources, particularly among the youth, impacting labor and productivity in the country,” she noted.

Despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa called for a positive outlook, urging Nigerians to celebrate those making positive contributions abroad and at home towards national development.

The financial strains exacerbated by changes in fee installment plans at Teesside University have left many Nigerian students grappling to meet their financial obligations, as reported by local charities. This situation has seen a significant rise in Nigerian students relying on food aid services due to financial hardships.

Earlier in May 2024, sixty Nigerian students at Teesside University faced expulsion and deportation from the UK due to difficulties in meeting tuition fee deadlines, compounded by the devaluation of the Nigerian naira. The students, who were unable to access university services and were reported to the Home Office, expressed dismay at what they perceived as inadequate support from the university.

The university, however, maintained that strict compliance with external regulations necessitated these actions, further exacerbating the students’ distress and criticism of the university’s handling of their plight.