Nigerian students studying in the United Kingdom are facing significant challenges due to a sharp increase in tuition fees. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria's move to unify foreign exchange rates, the naira equivalent of tuition fees for Nigerian students in the UK has risen by over 60 percent.
The devaluation of the naira, from N471/dollar to N750/dollar and N589.4/pound to N957.2/pound, has put immense financial pressure on students and their families.
The UK is a popular destination for Nigerian students, with a significant number enrolled in universities there. However, the recent exchange rate fluctuations have made it difficult for students to afford their tuition fees.
Many students had kept their funds in naira accounts, which has now become insufficient to cover the increased costs. As a result, students are struggling to find additional funds to bridge the gap, and some are even facing the risk of losing their studentship or deferring their admissions.
The impact of the exchange rate hike is not limited to current students but also affects intending students planning to study in the UK.
Proof of Funds (PoF), which is a crucial requirement for visa applications, has become more challenging to fulfill due to the higher exchange rate. The PoF, which includes tuition fees and living expenses, has significantly increased, putting additional financial burden on prospective students and their families.
The plight of Nigerian students in the UK has drawn attention and calls for intervention from concerned individuals and organizations.
Parents, teachers, and education consultants have appealed to the Nigerian government to address the foreign exchange crisis and provide support to affected students.
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