The United Kingdom (UK) government’s fresh warning to thousands of international students, including Nigerians, has sparked anxiety among those whose student visas are nearing expiration.
With new migration policies tightening pathways to stay in the UK, many Nigerian students are scrambling for legal means to secure work visas or risk deportation.
The development follows an emergency alert issued by the UK government, which revealed that over 10,000 international students have already been contacted and advised to leave after the expiration of their visas.
Officials say the move was triggered by a surge in asylum applications, which have tripled in recent years, with international students accounting for nearly 40 percent of such claims.
Speaking to correspondents, several Nigerian students confirmed they had received government reminders about visa expiration.
A PhD candidate in Scotland admitted that the sudden changes had left many in distress.
“Nigerian students are panicking because UK laws keep changing.
Some have switched to skilled worker visas, but many are still uncertain,” he explained.
The UK’s two-year post-study work visa has now been shortened to 18 months, making it harder for students to secure employment and sponsorship in time.
Without a certificate of sponsorship from an employer, many risk falling into illegal immigrant status—a criminal offence under UK law.
Another postgraduate student at the University of Salford described the situation as “absolutely devastating,” noting that money and time invested in education now face the threat of being wasted.
He explained that from July 22, 2025, fresh student visa holders can no longer switch to skilled worker visas on the shortage occupation list.
A Cambridge University graduate added that she had already applied for a post-study visa after her student visa expired in August.
While her application was accepted, she stressed that many Nigerians were in limbo, either applying for extensions or awaiting outcomes.
Despite the warnings, many Nigerian students remain reluctant to return home.
“Hell, no,” one student responded when asked about returning to Nigeria, citing inflation, insecurity, and governance issues as reasons to stay abroad.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has, however, urged students to obey immigration laws.
Spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun stressed that overstaying is criminal and could damage Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
Immigration experts and academics are divided on the issue.
Mr. Tolani Jaiyeola, Co-founder of Globalink Pathway College, said the UK’s warning reflects its commitment to cutting net migration, which has reached record highs.
“The graduate visa route has been under scrutiny, and this warning is a clear signal that student visas are temporary.
However, the delivery risks alienating genuine students,” he noted.
Conversely, Prof. Anthony Kola-Olusanya of Osun State University criticised the UK’s stance as exploitative.
He likened it to “taking money, issuing a degree, and discarding students,” arguing that universities benefit financially from international students but offer little assurance of career opportunities.
Meanwhile, Prof. Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan defended the UK’s right to enforce immigration rules.
“A visa is a contract between the immigrant and the host country.
To exceed its terms is illegal, and the UK has the right to deport those who overstay,” he said.
Supporting this, Prof. Bayo Oladipo of the University of Lagos said Nigerian students must honour their commitments to return after studies, stressing that sincerity and integrity should guide international education agreements.
Recent figures show that while the UK hosted over 732,000 overseas students in 2023/24, new international enrolments dropped by 6.75 percent compared to the previous year.
Nigeria remains the third-largest source country with 34,500 students, but migration restrictions, especially on dependants, have already reduced applications.
Experts warn that the new crackdown may worsen this trend, as many Nigerian families are reconsidering the UK and opting for alternatives such as Canada, Australia, and Germany, which offer more flexible post-study opportunities.
Analysts believe the crisis highlights Nigeria’s failure to retain its brightest talents.
With domestic challenges such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and insecurity, many students view return as unattractive.
This brain drain, they warn, could worsen the skills gap in Nigeria’s workforce.
The UK’s removal threat has left thousands of Nigerian students in a race against time to secure legal stay options.
While some have successfully transitioned to skilled worker visas, others face an uncertain future.
As the debate continues between exploitation and lawful enforcement, one reality remains clear—Nigeria must address its internal problems to make returning home a viable option for its students abroad.