Nigerian Youtuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, has issued an apology for his remarks about Nigerian students studying in the United Kingdom during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

In a video posted on his YouTube account on Wednesday, Tiamiyu expressed regret for his comments and acknowledged the backlash he received in response to the interview.

Known for providing advice to Nigerians aspiring to study in the UK, he had previously stated that many students were seeking a fresh start abroad rather than pursuing further qualifications.

In his apology video released on Wednesday morning, Tiamiyu clarified that his intention in granting the interview was to shed light on the genuine challenges faced by the black community.

He acknowledged that his comments may have been misconstrued and expressed remorse for any offense or misunderstanding caused.

He said, “I am doing this from the reflections and the truthfulness of my heart that you have seen in the interview/ news feature. Please, I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. 

“If what you have seen being circulated has made you uncomfortable in any way at all, I am sorry, deeply and sincerely sorry. 

“And why do I say sorry, because for whatever pain that you feel, I feel even more, because if I meet you in person, if we were able to sit in the same space, probably engage, there is nothing in my heart for you other than love, progress and positive support. People who know me in the world know that this is what I have got. 

“There is no other motivation than to grant an interview to speak on the challenges that we genuinely face as a black community back at home and also in the UK.”

In a recent report by The Sun UK, it has been revealed that the United Kingdom government is set to announce modifications to its immigration policy, specifically targeting Nigerian students and other nationalities studying in the UK, to prevent them from bringing their families over.

The exclusive report stated that these new measures, designed to curb the large influx of families into the country, will be announced later this week.

According to the report, the crackdown will primarily affect master's students and certain other postgraduate students, who will be prohibited from bringing their families with them to the UK.

However, PhD students, who undergo highly skilled and longer courses lasting between 3 and 5 years, will be exempted from this ban.

The decision to implement these changes stems from the concerns surrounding the significant increase in net migration to the UK, which reached 1 million in a short period of time.

This alarming trend has prompted calls from Tory MPs for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take action and address the surging numbers.

In response to these concerns, UK ministers are expected to announce the immigration clampdown on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

The report suggests that Rishi Sunak, in his defense, will highlight that these figures were inherited and date back to December 2022, two months after he assumed office as Prime Minister.

The Sun report further states, "There has been an explosion in the number of people coming to Britain piggybacking on their relative's student visa. Students brought 135,788 family members to Britain last year – nine times more than in 2019. Last year, 59,053 Nigerian students brought over 60,923 relatives."

While this development may address concerns over immigration in the UK, it also coincides with an outcry in Nigeria over the significant departure of qualified professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector, to the UK and other Western nations.

This phenomenon, known as "Japa," has led to a massive brain drain in the country, as skilled professionals continue to leave in search of better working conditions and higher pay packages.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, announced the passing of Professor Cyril Agodi Onwumechili, the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Professor Onwumechili, who passed away at the age of 91, was described as a visionary leader, exceptional academic, and compassionate individual who made significant contributions to the university.

During his tenure from 1979 to 1982, he played a pivotal role in shaping the university's trajectory and upholding its commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.

The OAU management recognized him as a detribalized Nigerian and renowned academic. The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, expressed his condolences and praised Onwumechili for his progressive policies and lasting impact on the university community.

Bamire further said, “Under Professor Cyril Onwumechili’s leadership, the University experienced remarkable growth and advancement in various fields of study, research, and outreach as he spearheaded strategic initiatives that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, established partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide, and ensured the university’s relevance in an ever-evolving global landscape.

”Professor Onwumechili was an exceptional scholar, renowned for his groundbreaking research as a Physicist who inspired generations of students and faculty members through his profound knowledge, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting pursuit of academic excellence.

“Professor Onwumechili was a compassionate mentor, a trusted confidant whose genuine concern for the well-being of staff, students and faculty resonated deeply within the University community, fostering an environment of support, growth and collaboration.”

Bamire, who extended OAU’s condolences to the late Onwumechili’s family, friends, and loved ones, affirmed that the late former VC’s legacy would forever be etched in the annals of OAU, serving as a guiding light for future generations.