UK

By The Citizen Reports

The British government has begun sending direct messages to tens of thousands of foreign students, cautioning them to depart the country once their visas run out or risk deportation, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the Home Office introduced a new initiative in response to what it called an “alarming” surge in student visa holders attempting to prolong their stay by applying for asylum.

For the first time, officials are reaching out to students via email and text to outline the consequences of overstaying.

The government expressed worry that more students are turning to the asylum process as a way to remain in the UK after completing their studies.

One of the messages being circulated states, “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

Official data shows that roughly 15 per cent of asylum requests last year—about 16,000—came from individuals who originally entered on student visas. Although it is unclear how many applied after their visas had expired, authorities believe the trend is significant enough to require urgent measures.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that some students are “claiming asylum even when things have not changed in their home country.”

She added, “We obviously will do our bit to support genuine refugees, but if nothing has changed in their country, people should not be claiming asylum at the end of a student course.”

Cooper also highlighted the strain that the rising number of asylum claims from students places on the UK’s housing system, particularly accommodation and hotels for asylum seekers.So far, around 10,000 students with visas close to expiration have received these warnings.

The Home Office expects to contact another 130,000 students and their dependents in the coming months, in line with the busy autumn academic intake, the BBC reported.

The message being sent further reads, “If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused.

Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support. If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”The move forms part of broader immigration reforms introduced by the Labour government.

In May, the Home Office announced stricter requirements for universities, linking their ability to sponsor international students to higher standards on visa refusals and course completion rates.

While much of the immigration debate in Britain has focused on Channel crossings, officials say they are also increasingly troubled by those who entered legally but later shifted to the asylum system.

Figures show that of the 108,000 asylum applications lodged last year, about 40,000 came from people who arrived through legal routes, compared with 35,000 from small boat arrivals.

Students accounted for the largest share of these legal entrants seeking asylum, with numbers nearly six times higher than in 2020.

Although applications from students have since dropped by 10 per cent, the Home Office insists further reductions are necessary. Cooper noted that student visa holders represent just over one-tenth of all asylum claims but maintained that “to fix the system, we must tackle every single bit of it.”

The government has also reduced the time foreign graduates can remain in the UK after completing their degrees, cutting it from two years to 18 months. Recent figures show that successful asylum claims from skilled worker visa holders have also decreased.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, who recently clinched first place in the English language category at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) in Yobe State, emerged the best among more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations.

Her victory, widely celebrated across educational and social circles, has been described by Pantami as a moment of pride for Nigeria.

“I read from various reliable sources that Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a 17-year-old student from Yobe State in Nigeria, has indeed been recognised as the top performer in English language skills globally… We are proud of you, Nafisa,” he said.

Pantami emphasised that her success could be traced to her natural ability, dedication, and the support system provided by her parents and teachers.

He added that this global recognition should attract the same kind of reward that was recently extended to Nigeria’s victorious female athletes.

“Recently, our women’s football team won the Women’s Africa Cup in Morocco. Each player received $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

In addition, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received similar rewards after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship,” Pantami noted.

He went further to advocate equal recognition for Nafisa’s teacher, similar to what the technical teams of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress received.

“We must continue to take education very seriously and reward the efforts of our citizens,” he said.

Describing education as the passport to future development, the former minister urged the presidency to invite Nafisa and her English teacher for official recognition.

“Let’s invite our daughter and the daughter of all Nigerians, along with her English teacher, to the presidency. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Pantami signed off the statement with a powerful reminder: “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future and the future of our country.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A 17-year-old Nigerian student, Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State, has defeated over 20,000 competitors from 69 countries to win the 2025 TeenEagle Global English Championship in London.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, showcased exceptional language proficiency and communication skills, surpassing even native English speakers in the prestigious contest.

Her family attributed the victory to her hard work, supportive educational environment, and the Yobe State government’s commitment to quality education under Governor Mai Mala Buni.

They called for official recognition of her achievement, stating it proves Nigerian students can excel globally when given the right opportunities.

The win has been celebrated as a milestone for Nigeria’s education sector, bringing pride to Nafisa’s school, community, and the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Afenifere Group in the United Kingdom and Europe (UK Afenifere) has demanded Nigeria scrap its current constitution entirely and adopt a new one founded on “true federalism,” declaring the National Assembly’s ongoing amendment process ineffective.Issuing the call via a statement from Secretary Engr.

Anthony Ajayi on Wednesday, the group timed its intervention as lawmakers approach a December 2025 deadline for reviewing proposed changes.

While the National Assembly considers bills on state creation, electoral reform, judiciary overhaul, local government autonomy, and security restructuring – including state police – UK Afenifere insists these piecemeal amendments are insufficient.

The group contends the 1999 Constitution itself is the fundamental problem, calling it “unitary” and the root cause of Nigeria’s stagnation, corruption, insecurity, and poor governance.

“Since the adoption of the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria has not made meaningful progress… the country is already in a state of quagmire,” the statement asserted, blaming the document for enabling politicians to “perpetrate evil against the people… unabated.”

UK Afenifere argued that Nigeria urgently requires “a new constitution for her people” that prioritizes citizens’ interests over politicians’, rather than continued amendments which they claim have “no direct positive impact.”

They cited the historical achievements of the old Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo as proof of concept for true federalism.

Funded by regional agriculture and mining revenues – while still contributing 50% to the federation – the region delivered free education for over 800,000 pupils, major infrastructure, farm settlements, industrial estates, Africa’s first TV station, and Nigeria’s tallest building at the time, “without oil money.”

The group aligned its stance with prominent figures like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who have consistently traced Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges – including systemic insecurity, mass unemployment, poor public services, weak institutions, and economic centralization – back to the flawed 1999 Constitution.

They echoed analyst Olawale Okunniyi’s critique that the military-era constitution, enacted without broad consultation, fails to reflect Nigeria’s pluralistic realities.

Declaring true federalism the “appropriate governmental principle” for Nigeria’s diversity, UK Afenifere urged all Nigerians to demand a new foundational document.

“We cannot continue to patronise practices that weigh on our development, weaken our potentials and mock our collective sensibilities,” the statement concluded, invoking the federal principles championed by founding fathers like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa.

This call significantly intensifies the debate as the National Assembly’s review process enters its final phase.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement today strongly condemning the Israeli government’s continued military operations in Gaza and its denial of humanitarian aid to the besieged population.

In the statement, the three nations called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable” and labelled Israel’s limited allowance of food into the territory as grossly inadequate. They urged the Israeli government to halt its military offensive immediately and allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in cooperation with the United Nations.

The leaders also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages held since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defence. However, they described the ongoing Israeli response as “wholly disproportionate.”

The statement strongly criticised the Israeli government’s use of inflammatory rhetoric and warned that permanent forced displacement of Gaza’s population would constitute a breach of international humanitarian law.

The three countries also voiced strong opposition to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stating such actions undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state and threaten regional security. They pledged to take further actions, including potential targeted sanctions, if the situation does not improve.

The joint statement expressed support for current ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, and emphasised the need for a long-term political solution. The leaders stressed their commitment to a two-state solution. They highlighted the upcoming June 18 international conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a key moment for advancing peace.

“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution,” the statement concluded, reaffirming their readiness to work with international partners to bring stability to the region.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Wednesday, October 2, for the United Kingdom (UK), where he will begin a two-week working vacation, which forms part of his annual leave.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the vacation will also serve as a retreat for the President to reflect on his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.

The statement added that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the two-week leave.

By Dr Raji Bello

I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me. 

My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:

1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.

2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.

When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:

1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.

2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests. 

Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country. 

The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.

 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.