Teesside College in the UK has rolled out a extra versatile cost plan for Nigerian college students, based on the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure throughout a press convention forward of the Nationwide Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024, scheduled for July 25 in Abuja.
She highlighted that the brand new cost preparations aimed to ease the monetary burden on Nigerian college students whereas sustaining their accountability to pay tuition charges. “The scholars are going to pay their charges. It isn’t charity, however they’ve devised methods that may be a bit extra handy,” she mentioned.
For college kids nearing the completion of their funds who confronted expulsion, an settlement now permits them to complete their funds and obtain their certificates as soon as all charges had been settled. “For individuals who had been nearly achieved with cost and had been informed to go away, they agreed that they’d pay their charges however wouldn’t obtain their certificates till they accomplished their cost,” Dabiri-Erewa defined.
The NiDCOM boss, nonetheless, famous that Teesside College just isn’t the one establishment the place Nigerian college students face monetary difficulties. “We’re working intently with the scholar organisations within the UK and the Nigerian Mission to deal with these challenges,” she added.
The announcement comes within the wake of monetary crises which have left many Nigerian college students struggling. A major shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment cost plan by the college exacerbated the scenario, with many college students unable to cowl their bills. A neighborhood meals charity reported that 75% of its shoppers at the moment are Nigerian college students, underscoring the extent of their monetary hardship.
LEADERSHIP remembers that on Could 22, 2024, Teesside College had expelled a gaggle of Nigerian college students resulting from delayed tuition funds, citing the devaluation of the naira as a serious impediment. This breach of visa sponsorship necessities led to college students being locked out of their college accounts, reported to the House Workplace, and ordered to go away the UK. The affected college students, numbering 60, expressed deep misery and disappointment, accusing the college of being unsupportive and “heartless.”
LEADERSHIP additionally reported that in response, the Federal Authorities intervened on Could 29, 2024. A delegation led by Amb. Christian Okeke from the Nigerian Embassy within the UK, together with leaders of the Nigerian College students Union within the UK, met with Teesside College’s administration to hunt a decision.
Dabiri-Erewa additionally addressed broader points driving Nigerian migration, similar to financial instability, safety issues, and insufficient dwelling requirements. She emphasised that this yr’s Nationwide Diaspora Day theme, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for Nationwide Improvement,” displays the rising issues over youth migration.
“Components similar to financial instability, safety issues, and insufficient way of life are ranked excessive amongst causes for the exodus of Nigerians overseas,” she mentioned. “The consequence of this phenomenon is the decline of robust human sources as a result of a lot of the Nigerians relocating are the youths. This, in flip, makes a downward activate labour and productiveness within the nation.”
Regardless of these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians to undertake a optimistic outlook. “We now have to show our lemons into lemonade. At the moment, we alter the story by celebrating these vibrant Nigerians who’re making optimistic impacts within the Diaspora and making the nation very proud. Additionally, those that, whereas overseas, are contributing positively to nationwide improvement,” she concluded.
