A university in the United Kingdom, Teesside University, has sent some Nigerian students packing following their inability to pay tuition fees, as a result of forex shortages.

The university has ordered the affected students to discontinue their studies and leave the UK.

The students were blocked from their studies and reported to the Home Office after the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted, wiping out their savings.

According to report monitored on the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, some of the students said they felt suicidal as they accused the university of taking a “heartless” approach to those who fell into arrears as a result.

A university spokesman said failure to pay was a breach of visa sponsorship requirements, and that it had “no choice” but to alert the Home Office. The Home Office said visa sponsorship decisions rested with the institution.

Nigeria is currently experiencing serious economic crisis, which is having a significant impact on Nigerian students at some UK universities.

Average inflation is almost 34%, and the situation deteriorated due to some policies introduced by the government. 

Before beginning their studies at Teesside, affected students were told they had to show proof of having enough funds to pay tuition fees and living expenses.

However, those funds were significantly depleted because of the crisis in their home country.

A group of students, some of whom shared their names with the BBC, began pressing the university for support after several people who defaulted on payments were frozen out of university accounts and involuntarily withdrawn from their courses.

Some were reportedly also contacted by debt collection agencies contracted by the university.

Adenike Ibrahim was close to handing in her dissertation at the end of two years of study when she missed one payment and was then kicked off her course and reported to the Home Office.

She subsequently paid the outstanding fees but said she had not been re-enrolled and was told she must leave the country, along with her young son.

“I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90% of my tuition fees and I went to all of my classes,” she said.

“I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.”

She said the experience was “horrendous” and she did not know what was happening with her qualification.

“It has been heartbreaking for my son especially, he has been in so much distress since I told him,” Ms Ibrahim added.

No right of appeal

The Home Office told students, including Ms Ibrahim, that their permission to enter the UK had been cancelled because they stopped studying at the university.

The letters, seen by the BBC, offer a date by which the student must leave the country and say they do not have a “right of appeal or administrative review against the decision”.

Since receiving his letter, one master’s degree student – who did not want to be named – said he had seriously considered suicide and was not eating or drinking.

The university said it had made “every effort” to support affected students, who had now been offered individual meetings with specialist staff and bespoke payment plans where requested.

Esther Obigwe said she repeatedly tried to speak to the university about her financial struggles but received no response, until she too was blocked from her studies and received notice to leave the country.

“I attended all of my classes and seminars, I’m a hell of an active student,” she said.

“It is disheartening, I am now on antidepressants and being here alone, I have nobody to talk to.

“For over two months, I’ve barely eaten or slept, and I don’t understand why this is being meted at us, we didn’t do anything wrong.”

She added that most of the students had “spent a lot of money to be here”.

Jude Salubi, who was studying to be a social worker, was midway through a placement when he was told his access to the university was suspended and he would have to leave the country.

Prior to that, he travelled from Teesside to Liverpool each weekend to work 18 hours to pay off the outstanding fees.

“As of now I have paid £14,000 and have a balance of £14,000,” he said.

“I am willing to come to an agreement as to how I will make this payment, but I need guarantees that I will be re enrolled into school and my visa restored.”

A university spokesman said: “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its obligations regarding visa issuance and compliance.

“These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and is outside of the university’s control.”

The spokesman added it was “aware of the challenging financial situation faced by some students” and had “actively offered bespoke payment plans where requested”. 

“This option has been taken up by many of our international students; however, some students have still defaulted on these revised payment plans,” he said.

The Home Office said a decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution.

A spokesman said wherever a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK”.

THE President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Publisher of the 98- page 10th Senate Magazine that has been launched to bridge the gap between it and the citizenry. 

The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and the Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, APC, Ekiti South made the public presentation of the magazine titled “10th Senate Magazine” during plenary.

Adaramodu said, “We gather here to witness a groundbreaking moment in the history of Nigeria, a moment that marks the birth of a new era of communication between the Senate and the citizenry. 

“For the first time in the annals of our great nation, the Senate has bestowed upon us the 10th Senate Magazine.

“It is a platform that will bridge the gap between the Senate and the people it serves. This visionary initiative of the leadership of the 10th Senate is deliberately intended to foster transparency, understanding and engagement, as we strive to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.”

The Senate Spokesperson who noted that the Senate stood as the upper chamber of the National Assembly, representing the interests of the diverse Nigerian populace, said, “It is here, in the hallowed halls of legislation, that the voices of the people find resonance and their concerns are addressed through thoughtful deliberations and legislation.”

Adaramodu who explained that the magazine, the senate’s beacon of progress, was an embodiment of the senate’s commitment to open dialogue and effective communication with Nigerian people within and outside, said, “within its pages, you will find a tapestry of stories, insights, and ideas that reflect the rich chronicle of our nation.

“It will serve as a platform for the senate to share its legislative achievements, initiatives and aspirations, while also providing a voice to the diverse voices of our citizenry.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the power of knowledge and dialogue. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bond between the senate and the people, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future for our beloved nation. 

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Senate who himself is the Publisher, distinguished senators and the editorial team who have contributed to the birth of the 10th Senate Magazine.

“Your dedication and commitment have brought us to this momentous occasion, and we stand united in our pursuit of a more informed and engaged society.

“Together, let us build bridges, foster understanding and create a legacy of progress that will resonate for generations to come.”

If one has the power to challenge fate, many people would have asked why they are treated very unfairly. But Henry Miller would say: Destiny is what you are supposed to do in life. Fate is what kicks you in the ass to make you do it. So we can’t challenge fate.

Mrs. Nkechi Clement Ugo, a native of Oshigbe Community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, would have been one of those to challenge fate if the opportunity had provided that. Fate has indeed kicked her in the ass with the precarious situation she finds herself in. 

A blind widow with six children, who lost her husband some years ago, struggling to take care of her five bind children, has been very difficult, especially with the present economic situation of the country. 

At the Ebonyi Remand Home located at Mile 50 in Abakaliki, where she and her blind children are currently taking refuge, Nkechi said out of her six children, five are blind like her.

The eldest of her children is 13 while the youngest is 5 years old. She explained that her first child is in the School for the Blind at Opefia in Ezzi Local Government Area of the state. 

According to Mrs. Ugo, her ordeal started at a tender age when she woke up one morning to discover that she could not see any longer and all efforts made by her father to enable her regain her sight proved abortive.

“My world came to an end when l lost both parents to the cold hands of death”, she lamented.

However, according to her,  succour came her way when a man approached her for marriage despite her condition. But as if she was created for ill luck, her  life was further stretched when she lost her husband years ago leaving her and her blind children in a world full of loneliness, suffering, and an uncertain future.

She said that life has been unbearable as her condition makes it difficult for her to engage in any meaningful activity to earn a living. “As you can see, l am blind and all my children except one, are blind. My first blind  daughter is currently in the School for the Blind at Opefia through the help of good-spirited individuals. The only one who is free from blindness cannot go to school regularly because she is our eyes and legs as of now, so anytime she is not around, we would be crippled until she comes back”, she narrated. 

Mrs.  Ugo lamented her inability to train her children in school and recalled how she had the ambition of raising world-class men and women who would contribute to the development of the larger society and wished she could have her children regain their sights.

  Mrs. Nwifuru to the rescue   

But all hopes seem not lost  for the family as the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru has located her and commenced the construction of an ultra-modern bungalow for the blind woman and her children as well as donation of food items, clothing, and cash gifts to cushion the effect of the present economic hardship on the blind woman and her children. 

Mrs. Nwifuru got information on the pathetic circumstances of the blind family during her tour of the 13 Local Government Areas of the state for the inauguration of her pet project, “Better Health For Rural Women, Children, And Internally Displaced Foundation”, BERWO.

Touched by the plight of the family, the Governor’s wife who couldn’t hold back tears after seeing and hearing from the blind woman, pledged to take care of the family. She promised that a greater part of her life would be committed to humanitarian services, adding that her foundation would always be at the forefront of the activities geared towards the well-being of the downtrodden in society. 

She disclosed that her foundation has enrolled over 4,750 pregnant women across the state into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme aimed at ensuring safe delivery and adequate health care for the women among other projects. 

Responding, Mrs. Ugo thanked the governor’s wife and also appealed to other good-spirited individuals who could come to her aid to further assist her blind children go to school and have quality education like their peers and earn a living without having to depend on people through street begging. “I can’t question God for what He has made me and these children be; we are His creatures and we are grateful to Him”, she said.

…Ministers to present performance reports

…Akume, Bagudu, Idris defend administration’s policies

In what appears as an afterthought, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled an elaborate celebration outlined to user in his first year in office and opted for a low-keyed outing, instead.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the development at a media briefing attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmud.

Notwithstanding the hardship in the country, Akume boasted that the administration of Tinubu has remained calm and unwavering in rendering quality service to Nigerians through exemplary leadership.

The top politician said, “Let me begin by admitting that the first year in Office of Mr. President has been a testament of sorts and goes to show the unwavering commitment and resilience of this Administration towards serving the Nigerian people with diligence, integrity and dedication. Despite the daunting challenges from all angles, President Tinubu has maintained his calm and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities, thereby guiding our nation with vision and foresight.

“From the outset, President Tinubu’s Administration set forth an ambitious agenda focused on economic revitalization, social inclusion, and infrastructural development. Government has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy and fostering sustainable growth. Key among these is the introduction of policies that have attracted foreign investments, reduced inflation, and boosted job creation across various sectors.

“Mr. President’s commitment to enhancing our nation’s infrastructure is also evident in the completion and ongoing execution of numerous projects, notable among which are the extensive road networks, improved rail systems, and the modernization of our ports, which are vital for boosting trade and connectivity.

“In the same vein, recognizing the importance of human capital development, the present Administration has made substantial investments in healthcare and education. The launch of new healthcare facilities and the upgrade of existing ones, along with reforms in our educational system, underscores Government’s dedication to the well­being and future of our citizens.

“More importantly, ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians remains a top priority of Government. It has therefore strengthened our security apparatus, enhanced intelligence gathering, and fostered greater collaboration among security agencies to address the multifaceted challenges of security across the country.

“This Administration has also rolled out several social intervention programs aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering the vulnerable segments of our society. These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skill acquisition opportunities, and improved access to essential services.

“I make bold to say that, Nigeria, under its present stewardship, have witnessed significant policy strides in various sectors including but not limited to: The Presidential accent to the 2023 Electricity Bill, a move that dismantled monopolistic control over electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level and granted authority to State Governments, Corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit electricity, thus decentralizing the power sector;

accent to the passage into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill 2023 that established a legal framework for safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection practices in Nigeria; and

the challenging but very necessary removal of fuel subsidy, a longstanding policy notorious for fostering corruption, inefficiency and imposing significant fiscal strain on the government annually, and primarily benefiting the affluent and smugglers, rather than effectively aiding the general populace.

“It is apt to say, that under President Tinubu’s stewardship within his first year in office, we have witnessed significant strides in various sectors of our economy. Through prudent fiscal policies and strategic investments, the Nigerian economy has shown resilience and potential for growth. The administration’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification has laid the foundation for sustainable progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“Furthermore, government’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law has strengthened our democratic institutions and enhanced transparency and accountability in governance. His unwavering resolve to combat corruption and promote ethical leadership has earned the admiration and support of the Nigerian people.

Akume however called on all Nigerians to join hands with the administration to build a stronger and more prosperous nation as the country moves into the second year of the administration.

Answering a reporter’s question, the Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Atiku Bagudu, defended the various harsh economic and financial policies so far applied by the government, arguing that they were necessary to elicit direct foreign investments and propel growth.

The minister argued that if those measures has been taken long ago, Nigerian would have been better off economically and financially and praised Tinubu for taking firm decisions to move the country forward.

Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra said he had handed in his resignation, just over two weeks after his defeat to junta chief Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in presidential elections.

“I’ve just submitted my resignation and that of the transition government, which became irrelevant with the end of the presidential election,” Masra said on his Facebook page in a message authenticated by his team to AFP on Wednesday.

The move, he added, was also in accordance with the constitution.

Deby, 40, was proclaimed transitional president in April 2021 by a junta of 15 generals after his father, iron-fisted president Idriss Deby Itno, had been shot dead by rebels after 30 years in power.

He won the May 6 presidential vote with 61 percent of the ballot, according to final results.

Masra, also aged 40 and once a fierce Deby opponent before becoming prime minister four months ago, won 18.5 percent of the vote but contested the results.

He claimed victory in the ballot, which his party called a “masquerade” and which international rights groups had said would be neither credible nor fair.

The immediate-past National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman has written President Bola Tinubu, threatening a lawsuit against the leadership of the party for serial violations of its constitution.

In the letter dated May 21, 2024 and titled ‘APC and Subversion of Nigerian Democracy’, Lukman said he was compelled to write the letter since the party is operating almost blindly without recourse to provisions of the APC Constitution.

According to him, it was deeply concerning to note that the APC since inception in 2013 has operated without a Board of Trustees BoT.

He said, “Meetings of organs as specified by relevant provisions of the APC Constitution are not taking place. Decisions, which established organs of the party are expected to take, are being taken by individual leaders outside those organs.

“One of the critical organs, the Board of Trustees, which is renamed National Advisory Council has not been inaugurated since the formation of the APC in July 2013. With such reality the National Working Committee NWC of the party has appropriated the powers of all organs and in its name the National Chairman is taking discretionary decisions.

“With such reality, many of the decisions taken not only violate sections of the APC Constitution but also undermine Sections 221 — 229 of Part Il of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended as well as the Electoral Act 2022.

“As things are, we have been regressing democratically as a nation. Due to inability to comply with statutory provisions regulating the conduct of political parties, we are embarrassingly running governments that don’t value principles of consultations and respecting valid agreements contracted through diligent political negotiations.

“Consequently, all the serial decisions taken without references to organs of the APC and complying with subsisting internal agreements have resulted in outright violation of relevant provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, which imposes the requirement to ensure the establishment of an inclusive governments at all levels.

“As a committed member of APC and as someone who has worked hard and made so many sacrifices for the growth and development of the party, I find our current reality highly unacceptable. I have made several requests to meet with you for more than a year now since your election as President of the Federal Republic, which, perhaps understandably, you have been unable to grant.

Seventeen members of the Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday removed the Speaker of the House, Hon Alvert Ayambem over allegations of mismanagement, Misconduct, financial misappropriation and indifference to welfare of members.

Hon Ayambem’s removal was made public in an impeachment notice signed by 17 out of the 25 members of the State House of Assembly which they later later affirmed in a Press Briefing held at the metropolitan Hotel in Calabar.

Vanguard also learned that consultations, delivration are ongoing as the house was yet to elect another Speaker to succeed the embattled Ayambem at the time of his report.

The 17 members described Ayambem as a tyrant who according to them undermines their interest and has been allegedly involved in various forms of financial misappropriation.

The speaker was impeached via a motion under maters of urgent public importance inline with order 24 of the Cross River State Assembly rules.

His removal according to them was based on the grounds of gross financial misconduct, incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings, non compliance and total failure to convene leadership meetings.

The impeachment notice reads: “Having met the Constitutional requirements of two-third majority( 17 members)we the under-listed members of the Cross River State House of Assembly hereby pass a vote- of-no- confidence on Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Assembly and he is hereby removed.”

Hon. Ayambem is also accused of “misappropriation of the sum of N48,000,000.00 (Forty-Eight MillionNaira) meant to pay electricity bills for the House of Assembly complex and the House of Assembly Quarters, Misappropriation of 2% of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (|RS) monthly for oversight functions of the House of Assembly in line
with Section 18(a)(i) of the Cross River State Revenue Administration Law 2011 as amended to the tune of N404,683,855.1 0 (Four Hundred and Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-ThreeThousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Ten Kobo).”

Other allegations include; “Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.”

The motion for his impeachment was moved by Honorable Effiong EKarika, representing Calabar-South-1 and was Seconded by Honorable Charles Omang Omang representing Bekwarra state constituency in the Assembly.

Super Eagles coach Finidi George has emphasized his unwavering commitment to victory, regardless of tactical formations.

Finidi, who was appointed coach of the three-time African champions on April 19, was unveiled on Monday, May 13, by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister Sen. John Owan Enoh at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The 53-year-old, who is currently on a media tour, made this known in an interview on Brilla FM on Tuesday.

His words: “My philosophy is to win. For me, formation is not that important, because if players interpret when to attack and when to defend and do it well, there won’t be problems.

“You can play 2-5-2 or 4-4-2, but if the players know they have to attack or defend, the team won’t have problems. That is what Manchester City, Arsenal, and every other team do, but the difference is when players recognise this moment.”

In another interview, Finidi, who was a guest on Arise TV on Wednesday, addressed issues surrounding his contract as Super Eagles head coach.

Finidi stated that regardless of the number of years on his contract, performances on the pitch will determine whether he stays longer as coach, adding that the NFF is not being disrespectful with the terms of his contract.

His words: “It’s not a one-year deal,” he clarified. “It is based on how well we perform. Even if you have given me a five-year deal and I don’t perform, definitely, I will leave before that five years… My focus is on adding value, winning games, and playing attractive football. If I achieve that, the contract length becomes secondary. But currently, it’s a two-year performance-based deal.

“Personally, I don’t think so, even Peseiro who came was given a target; Nigeria has gotten to a level that you can’t bring a coach and say, let him stay for four or five years hoping he will turn things around.”

The Super Eagles will host South Africa in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7th.

The three-time African champions will travel to face Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan three days later.