Teesside University in the United Kingdom has introduced a more flexible payment plan for Nigerian students, as announced by the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
During a press conference ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations 2024, scheduled for July 25 in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa revealed the new payment arrangements aimed at easing the financial burden on Nigerian students while ensuring they fulfill their tuition fee obligations. “The students are going to pay their fees. It is not charity, but they have devised ways that can be a bit more convenient,” she stated.
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A significant feature of the new plan allows students nearing the completion of their payments who faced expulsion to finish their payments and receive their certificates once all fees are settled. “For those who were almost done with payment and were told to leave, they agreed that they would pay their fees but would not receive their certificate until they completed their payment,” Dabiri-Erewa explained.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted that financial difficulties are not unique to Nigerian students at Teesside University. “We are working closely with the student organisations in the UK and the Nigerian Mission to address these challenges,” she added.
This announcement follows financial crises that have left many Nigerian students struggling. A significant shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan by the university exacerbated the situation, with many students unable to cover their expenses. A local food charity reported that 75% of its clients are now Nigerian students, highlighting the severity of their financial hardship.
