UK

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In its effort to curb the high rate of Japa, the United Kingdom’s Home Office has officially rolled out its rigorous policy restricting Nigerian students and other international counterparts from bringing dependents into the country via the study visa route.

This significant development, designed to tighten immigration controls, was announced on the Home Office’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), this Monday. 

According to the updated regulations, only postgraduate research students and those with government-sponsored scholarships will be exempt from the prohibition on bringing family members.

This follows the implementation of a law in May 2023 that specifically targets the entry of dependents for Nigerian and other international students, reflecting the broader government objective of reducing immigration, which currently stands at approximately one million. 

The Home Office reaffirmed its dedication to a substantial reduction in migration, declaring, “We are fully committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration. From today, new overseas students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK. Postgraduate research or government-funded scholarships students will be exempt.” 

In addition to the ban on bringing dependents, the new regulations include the removal of the permission for international students to switch from the student route to work routes before completing their studies, aiming to curtail any misuse of the visa system. 

The UK government also announced a comprehensive review of the maintenance requirement for students and their dependents, coupled with a crackdown on “unscrupulous” education agents involved in improper applications that exploit immigration pathways rather than genuine educational pursuits. 

A statement on the official site of the UK’s Home Office outlined the government’s objective to significantly reduce net migration by restricting the ability of international students to bring family members, with exceptions only for postgraduate research routes.

The move also seeks to prevent individuals from exploiting student visas as a backdoor route to work in the UK.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A young lame Nigerian man who defied expectations to not only graduate with a Master’s degree in Public Health and Health Promotion from Brunel University in London but also become a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. 

Overcoming the challenges of polio since childhood, Mahmud Abdullahi recently took to Facebook page to share his inspiring journey, a message that resonated deeply with many. 

His post, a blend of personal reflection and a call to action for fellow graduates, quickly went viral, sparking jubilation and admiration across social media. 

“My story is a blend of challenges and triumphs,” he wrote. “From battling poliomyelitis since infancy to standing here with a Master’s degree – it’s been a ride.” 

But for Mahmud Abdullahi, these challenges were not obstacles, but defining moments. “Challenges don’t define us; they refine us,” he wrote, his words echoing a message of unyielding spirit. 

His achievement goes beyond a personal victory 

Mahmud sees his graduation as a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the boundless potential of education. 

“Today, I wear this cap and gown not just for me,” he stated, “but for everyone who defies expectations.”

He inspires a generation of changemakers, urging his fellow graduates to become “agents of change” in the field of public health, entrusted with the well-being of communities and the pursuit of equity. 

The journey wasn’t easy 

The late nights, forged friendships, and unwavering support of mentors are memories he cherishes. But above all, it’s the “spirit of resilience” that he credits for bringing him and his fellow graduates to this point. 

As they embark on the next chapter, he leaves a powerful message: “No obstacle is too great. Our stories are proof that we’re capable of overcoming anything.”

His story is not just an inspiration for Nigeria, but for anyone who dares to dream and fight for a better future, proving that even the most difficult paths can lead to remarkable achievements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive five-point plan to curb immigration, drawing mixed reactions from various sectors.

The plan aims to address concerns over rising immigration levels and implement stricter measures for those seeking to enter the country. 

The plan for the policy 

1. Overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring their dependents to the UK. This measure aims to prevent the exploitation of care workers by employers and ensure that they are adequately compensated for their work. 

2. The minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas will be raised from £26,000 to £38,700. This move aims to attract highly skilled workers and ensure they receive fair wages. 

3. The 20% minimum wage reduction previously offered to those applying for visas in shortage occupations will be eliminated. This decision aligns with the government’s efforts to ensure fair pay for all workers, regardless of their nationality. 

4. The minimum income requirement for family visas will be increased from £18,600 to £38,700. This measure aims to ensure that sponsors can financially support their dependents. 

5. The government has requested that the Migration Advisory Committee review the graduate route to prevent abuse. Changes to the student visa are expected to be announced soon. 

Expected outcome 

The government estimates that the five-point plan will reduce immigration by around 300,000 people annually.

However, critics argue that the plan could hinder the UK’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and technology. 

Response from the Home Secretary 

Home Secretary James Cleverly defended the plan, stating that it is necessary to ensure a “fair, legal, and sustainable” immigration system.

He emphasised the need to address concerns over immigration levels and protect the rights of British citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The UK Government, in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria, has pledged unwavering support to the Jigawa State Government to improve education in the state. 

Mr. Ian Attfield, FCDO’s Senior Education Adviser, reiterated this commitment during his recent visit to the state, where he engaged in constructive discussions with Governor Namadi and his State Cabinet. 

Attfield’s visit focused on evaluating the impact of the UK government’s initiatives in improving foundational skills and ensuring quality learning opportunities in Jigawa State.

He expressed contentment with the state’s proactive approach to addressing challenges, particularly in education and healthcare. 

“We are pleased with your dedication, and we are prepared to fortify our partnership to attain our shared objectives,” Mr. Attfield affirmed, acknowledging the state’s efforts in tackling these issues. 

Governor Namadi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) for their continued support.

He emphasised the strides made in various sectors, including education, health, and good governance, with the aid of FCDO’s Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) and Partnership for Reform and Learning (PERL-ARC) programmes. Governor Namadi also disclosed the allocation of over 2.6 billion naira to recruit, train, and integrate 6,000 new teachers.

This initiative aims to alleviate the acute shortage of teachers in the state, a deficit estimated at around 30,000 educators. 

The collaborative efforts between the UK Government and the Jigawa State Government represent a significant advancement in bolstering the educational landscape.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The first COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 case was found in the UK on Friday, according to the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 

UKHSA said in a statement on its website that the new COVID-19 strain was found in a person who had no recent travel history. 

“We are aware of a confirmed case in the UK. We will provide further information in due course after undertaking detailed assessment,” Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director of UKHSA, stated.

US health authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that they were closely observing a new COVID-19 variant. 

Despite the fact that WHO classified the virus as a “variant under monitoring,” its potential impact is presently unknown.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The United Kingdom is planning to ban foreign postgraduate students from coming to the country with their relatives except under certain circumstances. 

This is part of the government’s effort to reduce the number of immigrants entering the country. Last year, 135,788 visas were issued under the sponsorship of foreign students, almost nine times the number issued in 2019. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told UK ministers that the move would help reduce the number of migrants trooping into the country. He told the ministers that the policy, which will come into effect in January 2024, will help reduce the number of people entering the country.

In the past, the Conservative Party promised to reduce the number of people migrating to the UK to less than 100,000 in total. However, this plan was abandoned before the 2019 election.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after his routine medical check-up in London, United Kingdom.

Special Assistant on Digital Communication to the President, Bashir Ahmad, announced the President’s return in a Facebook post on Sunday.

He said, 

“President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from London, the United Kingdom.” 

Amidst criticism of medical tourism, Buhari departed the country for the UK on October 31, 2022, for what the presidency described as a routine medical check-up.

The trip will be one of several medical trips the President has embarked on since assuming office in 2015, spending at least seven months abroad.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Queen of England, Elizabeth II is under a close medical supervision owing to concerns of her deteriorating health. A statement from Buckingham palace disclosed on Thursday.

The statement reads: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.

“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

This is coming after the Queen met UK new Prime Minister, Liz Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Prime Minister has joined the rest of the country to express concern over the Queen’s health

“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.

My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty, The Queen and her family at this time.” She wrote on Facebook.

By Aliyu Nuhu

Rishi Sunak should have been British prime minister, arguably seen as most qualified candidate to Liz Truss. Born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent who migrated to Britain from East Africa in the 1960s,he would have been British version of Barack Obama. But then Obama himself once said” my story is only possible in the United States of America”.

Subtle British racism played a role to deny Sunak the office of prime minister. No matter your struggles the system has a cap to your dream. There is nothing like the British dream.

But then the British even tried. At least the system allowed him to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, member of the Conservative Party, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks). The only important position he missed is the prime minister.

In Arab world the system will not even allow a non citizen into the mainstream politics in those that practise democracy. The monarchies deny non citizens university education even if they are born and raised there. Nigerians in Saudi Arabia decried being denied university enrollment except if they are going to read Islamic studies.

Malam Aliyu is a renowned social analyst. He writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has expressed grievance over the 34-year prison sentence of one Saudi woman, Ms Salma Al-Shehab, 34.

Al-Shehab, a doctoral student, was sentenced to 34-year imprisonment for following and retweeting so-called dissidents and activists.

She was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2021 while on holiday from her studies at Leeds University in the UK.

The woman, who has two small kids, was sentenced to jail, followed by a 34-year travel ban in connection with a series of tweets and retweets on political and human rights issues in Saudi Arabia,

OHCHR expressed concern in a statement by its spokesperson, Liz Throssell, urging the Saudi authorities to quash her conviction and release her immediately and unconditionally.

The statement read, in part, reads, “She should never have been arrested and charged in the first place for such conduct.”

“Saudi Arabia must not only release Al-Shehab so that she can re-join her family but also review all convictions stemming from free expression against human rights defenders.

“The government should release those jailed, including women who were jailed after they legitimately demanded reforms of discriminatory policies, as well as religious leaders and journalists,” Throssell said.