British High Commissioner reveals fivefold increase in Nigerian students studying in the UK

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, stated on Wednesday that there has been a significant increase in the number of Nigerians traveling to the United Kingdom for studies, with the figure multiplying five times over the past three years.

Montgomery clarified that the UK’s recent decision to prohibit international students from bringing their family members with them starting from 2024 was primarily aimed at preventing excessive strain on the country’s housing infrastructure and managing the influx of migrants.

During a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Montgomery informed State House correspondents that many students were attempting to bring their dependents along, but the challenge lay in finding suitable housing and services to meet the needs of the growing student population. He emphasised the necessity to effectively manage migration both into and out of the UK, drawing a parallel with the Nigerian government’s approach.

This meeting followed a month after Richard Montgomery presented his letter of credence to former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 18.

On May 23, the UK Home Office announced that international students, including Nigerians, would no longer be allowed to bring their family members to the UK starting January 2024. Additionally, overseas students would be prohibited from switching to a work visa until they had completed their studies.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among international students, educational institutions, and some British lawmakers. Critics argue that the policy could exacerbate labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and potentially undermine the UK’s position as a leading destination for international talent.

In response to a query from a correspondent, the British High Commissioner provided justifications for the regulation, stating, “There are two issues at hand. Firstly, it is not always possible to find suitable housing and services to cater to the needs of the existing student population. Secondly, it is reasonable to manage visitor numbers and migration in and out of the UK, just as the Nigerian government does.”

Montgomery revealed that the number of Nigerian students studying in the UK had increased fivefold in the past three years, describing it as a remarkable success story for UK universities. He expressed delight at the growing number of Nigerians choosing the UK for their education.

Although the issue of the regulation was not discussed during the meeting with the Vice President, the British High Commissioner sought to contextualise the ongoing media debate. He highlighted that in 2022, the UK issued three million new visas, with 325,000 granted to Nigerians. Nigerian visitors constitute over 10% of all visitors to London and the UK, further illustrating the positive impact of Nigerian students and visitors on the UK.

The discussions between the British envoy and the Vice President also shed light on the Bola Tinubu administration’s current policy direction, which has garnered favorable attention from UK investors. Montgomery emphasised the significance of the government’s economic decisions, such as subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms, in creating an improved investment environment. He noted that British businesses in finance, banking, and investment sectors had responded positively to these initial measures.

The meeting also addressed potential areas where the British government could provide assistance to mitigate the effects of the removal of petroleum subsidy, which has resulted in economic challenges for Nigerians. Acknowledging the tough times faced by the country, Montgomery expressed his belief that the reforms would propel Nigeria towards higher economic growth, attracting more investments. He reaffirmed his commitment to boosting trade and investment between the UK and Nigeria.