Amidst a backdrop of banking turmoil stemming from Nigeria’s presidential election earlier this year, Nigerian students pursuing studies at Swansea University are facing a distressing situation. According to the students, their academic pursuits have been jeopardized due to late tuition fee payments, resulting in threats of deportation and the termination of their courses.
A group of three students shared their plight with ITV News Wales, alleging that despite making substantial payments to the university, their funds arrived “hours late” due to banking complications following Nigeria’s February election.
The students furnished evidence revealing payments reaching up to £4,000 that were transferred just after the university’s March 27 deadline. These students were enrolled in master’s programs at the School of Management in Swansea University’s Bay Campus. They are now left in a state of uncertainty about their future.
Omolade Olaitan, one of the affected students, recounted that her tuition fee payment cleared on March 29, a mere two days after the stipulated deadline. Consequently, she was informed that she could no longer continue her studies and was advised to return to her home country.
Expressing her frustration, Olaitan revealed her ongoing efforts to stay engaged with her coursework in the hope that the university might reconsider its decision.
Emmanuel Okohoboh shared a similar story, stating that his £4,000 payment had arrived before the deadline but faced complications due to a late enrolment form. These students, among others, have decried the university’s response as lacking compassion and empathy.
Swansea University acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian students due to the banking crisis but asserted that they have engaged with the students to provide guidance and support. The university cited its commitment to aiding students during the banking crisis and highlighted its decision to extend payment deadlines to accommodate the situation.
Despite the university’s efforts, the students’ stories underscore the profound impact that such administrative issues can have on the dreams and aspirations of international students who invest substantial resources in pursuing education abroad, especially in the UK.
As the controversy unfolds, questions arise about the balance between the university’s financial policies and its commitment to supporting students in navigating unexpected challenges. This is notwithstanding the draconian policy of the UK government towards immigration, which has affected the approach of universities to international students.
The case raises broader questions about the resilience of international students in the face of bureaucratic hurdles and the need for institutions to adapt their policies to ensure a more compassionate and understanding environment for those seeking to broaden their horizons through education. The report by ITV news Wales has yet again brought to the fore the horrors Nigerian student go through in the UK.
