President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to enhancing their well-being under his citizen diplomacy policy. This commitment was underscored during the fourth Diaspora quarterly webinar lecture series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The event, themed “Well-being of Nigerian Students Abroad: Struggles, Challenges, and Solutions,” brought together key stakeholders and student representatives from across the globe.
Representing President Tinubu at the webinar, Hon. Asefon Sunday Dayo, Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, assured attendees that the government is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerian students abroad and is working tirelessly to mitigate them. He emphasised the importance of creating more platforms for dialogue and urged student leaders to escalate pressing issues to the appropriate authorities.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM Chairman/CEO; Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar; and Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, Director General of NYSC. In her remarks, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the recurring issue of unpaid obligatory fees for scholarship students abroad and stressed the need for a permanent resolution.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede reassured students of JAMB’s continued support, particularly in guiding them on the choice of reputable institutions and courses abroad. He cautioned against enrolling in unaccredited universities, urging parents and students to conduct thorough checks. Prof. Oloyede also addressed the reabsorption of returning students into Nigerian institutions, advising adherence to the Arusha Declaration, which stipulates that such students cannot be placed beyond the second year.
Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, represented by Mr. Omotade Folorunso, described the webinar as a crucial platform for addressing student well-being, which he deemed vital for securing Nigeria’s future. He warned that the NYSC would not recognize students from unaccredited foreign institutions for national service.
The webinar also featured contributions from student leaders and representatives. Comrade Juwon Ojo Fayomi, President of NANS-Diaspora, expressed gratitude to NIDCOM for its responsiveness and intervention in student issues. Mr. Yemi Soile, Head Coordinator of the Nigerian Students Union UK, and Mr. Uche Okugo, President of the Network of Nigerians in Canada, highlighted various challenges requiring urgent government attention.
Prof. Hakeem Tijani of Morgan State University, US, praised NIDCOM for organizing the webinar and encouraged students to think creatively and not rely solely on government intervention. He offered mentorship to help students navigate their challenges abroad.
During the interactive session, students from around the world raised concerns about irregular scholarship payments, NYSC registration, professional body examinations, racial discrimination, passport and consular issues, and other academic-related matters. These issues were addressed by the relevant stakeholders, providing much-needed clarity and solutions.
In conclusion, the fourth Diaspora quarterly webinar served as a pivotal forum for addressing the pressing needs of Nigerian students abroad, reinforcing the government’s commitment to their welfare and setting the stage for continued dialogue and intervention.
