Nigerian students in the United Kingdom are scrambling for legal options to remain in the country as the expiration of their student visas approaches, following fresh warnings from the UK government on overstaying.
Last week, the government disclosed that over 10,000 international students had been contacted to leave after their visas lapsed.
The Home Office noted that asylum applications from students, workers and visitors had more than tripled, with international students accounting for 40 per cent of the claims.
A direct messaging campaign was launched to remind visa holders of their obligations.
The message warned that meritless asylum claims would be swiftly rejected and overstayers would be removed.
Nigeria remains the third largest source of foreign students in the UK, with 34,500 enrolled in the 2023/24 academic session.
However, the new rules, including the shortening of post-study visas from two years to 18 months, have left many uncertain about their future.
Several Nigerian students told our correspondent they had switched to skilled worker visas to avoid deportation, while others were anxious about securing sponsorship.
A postgraduate student in Salford said the changes were “devastating,” while a Cambridge graduate confirmed she had already applied for a post-study visa.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged citizens to comply with immigration laws, warning that overstaying constitutes a criminal offence.
Experts have described the UK’s stance as part of a broader plan to cut net migration.
Education consultant Tolani Jaiyeola said the policy risks discouraging law-abiding students, while Prof. Anthony Kola-Olusanya of Osun State University criticised it as exploitative.
Others, however, stressed that compliance with visa terms was non-negotiable.