The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has secured a reprieve for Nigerian students at Teesside University in the UK, who were facing expulsion due to difficulties in paying tuition fees.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa announced that the university has introduced a more compassionate payment method, allowing students to complete their payments and receive their certificates once all fees are settled.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the new arrangement is not a charity, but a more convenient way for students to pay their fees. She also revealed that many other universities have Nigerian students facing similar issues, and that NIDCOM is working closely with student organizations and the Nigerian Mission in the UK to address these challenges.
The NIDCOM boss highlighted the “Japa Phenomena” as a growing concern, with economic instability, security concerns, and inadequate living standards driving Nigerian youth to migrate abroad. However, she urged Nigerians to focus on the positive impacts of the diaspora community, celebrating those making positive contributions in the UK and abroad.
The development comes after 60 Nigerian students were expelled from Teesside University due to difficulties in paying tuition fees on time, citing the devaluation of the naira as a significant barrier. The Federal Government intervened, leading to an agreement allowing students to complete their payments and receive their certificates.
