In a swift response to the recent deportation orders issued against some Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom, the Federal Government has stepped in to seek a resolution.
A high-level delegation, led by Ambassador Christian Okeke, a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, will meet with the university's management to discuss the matter and find a mutually acceptable solution.
This intervention follows a virtual meeting chaired by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The meeting, held on Sunday, was attended by Ambassador Okeke, the President of the Nigerian Students Union UK, Yemi Soile, and several affected students.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, confirmed the planned intervention and the details of the virtual meeting. During the meeting, the students shared their experiences and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
Dabiri-Erewa, addressing the affected students, urged them to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. She appealed to Teesside University to treat the students fairly and justly, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution that respects the rights and well-being of the Nigerian students.
The issue gained widespread attention after some Nigerian students at Teesside University staged a protest on May 22, 2024, in response to directives from the university authorities ordering them to leave the UK. The university cited non-payment of school fees by some students as the reason for the deportation orders.
The Federal Government's swift intervention demonstrates its commitment to supporting Nigerian students abroad and ensuring their rights are protected.
The upcoming meeting between the Nigerian delegation and Teesside University's management is expected to pave the way for a resolution that addresses the concerns of the affected students and maintains cordial relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
