The disastrous naira redesign policy spearheaded by embattled suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele has inadvertently triggered a series of unintended consequences affecting Nigerian students pursuing education abroad.
At Swansea University, a group of Nigerian students have found themselves caught in a distressing situation due to late tuition payments stemming from the aftermath of the naira redesign.
Their plight highlights the interconnectedness of economic decisions and the far-reaching implications they can have on individual lives and aspirations.
The three students, who reached out to ITV News Wales, recounted a harrowing tale of their educational pursuits being derailed due to tardy tuition payments. Despite having entrusted substantial sums to Swansea University, they faced the imminent threat of deportation and were advised to return to Nigeria, all because their tuition fees were paid “hours late.”
The Quest Times reports that Nigeria grappled with a banking crisis precipitated by the attempt to replace the old currency with a new one during the presidential election.
In October 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of redesigned banknotes for N200, N500, and N1,000 denominations. The reason behind this redesign initiative stemmed from a request put forth by the federal government. CBN’s Governor, Godwin Emefiele, elaborated on the rationale, stating that the new banknotes were designed with specific objectives in mind.
These freshly designed notes were slated to enter circulation starting from December 15, 2022. During this transitional period, the existing banknotes were to continue as legal tender, coexisting alongside the new designs until January 31, 2023. Beyond this date, the older banknotes were slated to lose their status as legal tender.
Underpinning the decision for this recent naira redesign were several key factors. Governor Emefiele stated that this policy shift aimed to grant the CBN greater control over the circulation of the naira, enable effective management of inflation, thwart counterfeiting activities, and reduce ransom payments.
The resultant cash crisis rippled through the banking system, causing delays and disruptions in fund transfers. Consequently, these students encountered difficulties in transferring their tuition fees to Swansea University within the stipulated timeframe.
Emmanuel Okohoboh, a prospective student set to commence a business management master’s program, shared how his family had made significant sacrifices to gather funds for his education. Despite timely submission of his £4,000 tuition payment, he received an email informing him of his removal from the course due to the lack of a late enrollment form.
He voiced his frustration and disappointment, claiming that the university exhibited a lack of compassion and empathy, particularly considering the immense sacrifices his family had made to support his education.
“They are not fair, they are not compassionate, they are showing no signs of empathy”, he said.
Emmanuel claims when he and fellow students went to the faculty department to plead their case, they were threatened with being escorted off campus by security. He said the university has yet to return any of his money.
“It was really difficult getting all the money and resources”, he continued.
“I had to sell my dad’s land and a piece of my own personal land to get the resources to come to Swansea University to study. Coming here and going through this situation has been mentally draining and frustrating for me.”
Amidst this turmoil, the narratives of Omolade Olaitan and Paulette Ojogun mirror Emmanuel’s struggles. Omolade, who aspired to complete a marketing management degree, expressed feelings of shame and desperation as her tuition fee payment was delayed beyond the deadline.
Despite her fervent efforts to communicate her situation to the university, she was left without recourse.
“I am this close to losing my sanity as a human being.”
“On the 29th (March) I got an email from income tuition. They confirmed my payment and they told me that because the payment didn’t come in before the deadline, they can no longer allow me to enrol and that I should pack my bags and go back to my home country.”
Omolade said despite no longer being enrolled on her course, she continues to submit assignments and answer exam questions for the International Management degree with friends providing her with course materials. She does this in the hope that the university will change its mind and allow her to study once more.
“I promised my mother back home in Nigeria that I am coming here to develop myself”, she said.
“Every day my mum calls me and asks how is school going. I can’t even tell her. This is the situation I am in because I don’t want her to get worried, it is that bad.
“I am doing this (speaking out) not because of me, I am doing this for people that are coming after me. I wouldn’t want them to be in this same situation. Living in uncertainty for months, it is difficult mentally.”
Paulette similarly faced the challenge of a delayed second tuition installment, and she described the university’s lack of empathy as a source of profound disappointment.
“The four walls of this university keep me going.” she said.
“I am happy that I am here, I am happy that I am studying, so why would you take that away from me because my school fees came in late? I’ve explained everything to them, I sent emails, and they still would not give me a listening ear.”
The responses from stakeholders, including Alfred Oyekoya of Bame Mental Health Support and a spokesperson for Swansea University, reflect the gravity of the situation.
Alfred denounced the university’s stance, emphasizing the profound impact on families who make significant sacrifices to fund their children’s education abroad.
“How can you even justify that kind of attitude?”, he said.
“You can’t. Because you have to understand that when people move from a particular county to another country for the purpose of study, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes.
“What the university see’s is the £8000 fees, but behind the senses, I can assure you, there is a family either selling a property, depriving themselves of an income, doing big things to raise that sum of money.
“For the university to say to those individuals who have come here to study to go back home and also holding on to their payments, how do you reconcile that?”
The university’s spokesperson acknowledged the evolving situation and expressed empathy for the students’ struggles, citing efforts to accommodate the unique circumstances while adhering to UKVI sponsor license requirements.
Swansea University, known for its popularity among international students, especially those from Nigeria, responded to the allegations by acknowledging the students’ plight and the challenges posed by the Nigerian banking crisis. While the university stated that it had extended deadlines and adjusted policies to accommodate the circumstances, the students’ experiences highlight the complex balancing act institutions must undertake when dealing with external economic challenges and student expectations.
“We have been saddened over recent months to hear of the difficulties of the banking situation in Nigeria and the impact that this has had upon the wellbeing of our Nigerian students.
“The University requires all international students to pay 50% of their fees in order that they may fully enrol on their programmes of study and all international students are informed of this within their original offer letters and associated pre-arrival communication.
“The University has closely monitored the deteriorating situation in respect of the impact of the Nigerian banking crisis and we have revised our existing policy around payment of fees and enrolment to further support our students.
“The University has put in place extended deadlines in order to allow as much time as possible for payments to reach us whilst ensuring that all times the University acted in accordance with its requirements under its UKVI sponsor licence.
“Our Faculty team dealt with the students on multiple occasions, offering guidance about their situation and advice about the best course of action to protect their opportunities for future studies.
“However, when there was no further information or help the Faculty could offer and the individuals had been unenrolled by the University, they continued to make repeated visits to the faculty office and so were asked to leave by staff.”
The plight of these Nigerian students at Swansea University serves as a poignant reminder that economic decisions, no matter how well-intentioned, can have far-reaching implications on individual lives and aspirations.