The National Association of Nigerian Students has expressed its strong opposition to the recently implemented immigration policy by the Home Office of the United Kingdom.
The policy, set to take effect in January 2024, prohibits individuals on study visas (excluding those on research) from bringing their dependents with them.
In a joint statement issued by Azeez Akinteye, Vice-president of External Affairs at NANS, the organization condemned this new policy as “inhumane.”
They highlighted the significant number of Nigerian students, approximately 30,000, who are enrolled in universities across the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, the statement emphasized that in the 2021/2022 academic session alone, the UK government generated approximately £2 billion in fees from Nigerian students.
NANS argued that preventing spouses from accompanying students, particularly in the context of studying abroad, would cause emotional distress and potentially hinder the educational goals of these students due to divided attention and focus.
The organization called for a reconsideration of the policy, suggesting that rules should be established to strengthen relationships and support family unity, rather than enforcing measures that disrupt families based on arbitrary interviews.
They urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIDCOM, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and urge the United Kingdom government to rescind these regulations.
NANS further emphasized that the significant increase of 686% in the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK is a result of the accessibility and welcoming environment the country has provided over the years. Despite previous exploitation and intimidation, Nigerian students have remained committed.
However, the introduction of this new immigration rule has strained the relationship, and NANS expressed their determination to fight against it vigorously.