Education
UK varsities criticise ban on foreign students’ families
Universities across the United Kingdom have faulted the country’s new immigration rules for foreign students shortly after the government announced new measures to tame the influx of immigrants.
On Tuesday, the UK Home Office said that international students would no longer be able to bring family members with them starting 2024.
The UK also said overseas students would be stopped from switching from the student visa route to a work visa until their studies have been completed.
But in a statement on Tuesday, the UK International (UUK) – a body of universities across the UK – said the move was a threat to the country’s global success as a top destination for international talent and needed to be considered very carefully.
Specifically, the body of universities said the development will worsen their financial pressure in the United Kingdom.
According to the UUK director, Jamie Arrowsmith, foreign students contributed largely to the economy. Arrowsmith stated that UK nationals had a wide acceptance of international students.
“International students make an invaluable contribution to our universities and to the UK’s economy. Building on the government’s explicit commitments and ambitions, which were clearly set out in the international education strategy, we have seen significant growth since 2019,” Arrowsmith said in a statement.
“Our research shows that international students make a huge economic contribution to the UK, with a single cohort delivering a total benefit of £41.9 billion.
“We also know that the public is overwhelmingly supportive of the international students we attract – just nine percent of people think we should be discouraging international students from choosing the UK.”
While Arrowsmith said he understood the impact an unchecked influx may be having in some areas, he asked the government to explore other ways of curbing immigration that would not cripple an already weakened financial situation for the universities.
“While the vast majority of students will be unaffected by proposals that limit the ability to be accompanied by dependents, more information is needed on the programmes that are in scope before a proper assessment of the impact can be made.
“We, therefore, urge the government to work with the sector to limit and monitor the impact on particular groups of students – and on universities, which are already under serious financial pressures. The review process that has been announced must consider these issues.”
:Ultimately, our collective aim must be to ensure that international students who choose the UK can be confident that they are welcome here, that their contribution is valued, and that the terms on which they have made decisions remain stable. Anything that threatens to affect the UK’s global success as a top destination for international talent needs to be considered very carefully,” the statement added.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state has announced a scholarship scheme for brilliant yet financially disadvantaged students from the constituency attending various tertiary institutions nationwide, with the exception of private institutions.
The “Remi Oseni Scholarship Award Scheme,” which is one of the contributions of the lawmaker toward educational advancement, is aimed at providing financial assistance to talented and deserving students within the constituency, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations more easily.
The launch of this scholarship scheme is a welcomed development for students and families in Ibarapa East/Ido Federal constituency, many of whom struggle with financial constraints in accessing quality education.
In a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan and made available to journalists, Oseni emphasised the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in the future leaders of the constituency.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and by investing in our students, we are investing in the future prosperity of our constituency and our nation as a whole,” Oseni stated.
Under his Education Support Scheme introduced earlier to alleviate financial burdens on parents and students, Oseni’s office provided free WAEC registration to 292 indigent students and free JAMB registration to 602 wards earlier this year.
“Now, the focus is on supporting financially disadvantaged students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria at all levels. I see this scholarship as a beacon of hope for our ambitious youth who are determined to excel but lack the necessary financial means”, the lawmaker said.
Oseni reiterated his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people in his constituency, aimed at adding value to their lives.
Interested applicants can obtain details on how to apply for the scholarship scheme through the constituency office at Ologuneru, Ibadan, and the lawmaker’s official social media channels. Eligibility criteria and application procedures have been clearly outlined to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Click Here To Apply Now: Scholarship Scheme for Ibarapa East/Ido Students
President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough review of the recently unveiled governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, prior to their inauguration and retreat.
The move comes in response to public feedback indicating a lack of adequate representation and adherence to the principle of federal character.
The Federal Ministry of Education had recently unveiled the list of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, concerns were raised regarding the geographical spread of the nominations, with some states receiving disproportionately few nominations compared to others.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to upholding the principle of federal character as enshrined in the constitution. The review will aim to rectify any imbalances and ensure equitable representation across all regions of the country.
The directive for a comprehensive review comes following criticism from the Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which expressed dissatisfaction with the composition of the governing boards.
They advocated for the reinstatement of the previously dissolved members, highlighting the need for inclusivity and fair representation.
The inauguration and retreat for the nominees, initially scheduled for 31st May, will be postponed pending the outcome of the review process.
The Kaduna State government has unveiled plans to merge 359 schools in response to escalating banditry and insecurity, which have led to numerous cases of abduction and kidnapping across the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders forum and the training session of the Schools’ Protection Squad, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, emphasised the need for decisive measures to protect schools and children from bandit attacks.
The merger will involve consolidating schools in vulnerable communities with those located in safer areas.
Kila highlighted the significance of the newly launched School Protection Squad, part of the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, aimed at safeguarding educational institutions, children, and teachers from various forms of attacks orchestrated by bandits and terrorists.
Acknowledging Kaduna’s relentless battle against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, Kila expressed concern over the disruptive impact of non-state actors on socio-economic activities. He underscored the threat these activities pose to the state’s educational revitalisation programme.
The governor’s representative raised alarm over the crisis of declining school enrollment in Kaduna, citing a drastic drop of over 200,000 primary school pupils in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year.
This decline, he attributed primarily to insecurity, particularly in areas such as Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi, where insecurity has forced school consolidation, exacerbating the number of out-of-school children.
Kila stressed the critical role of ensuring the safety and security of schools in achieving human capital development goals and sustainable development.
He lauded the Federal Government for launching the N144.8 billion safe schools financing plan and the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad, aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions nationwide.
In addition to merging schools in conflict-prone areas with safer locations, the Kaduna State government is implementing various measures to strengthen school security, including fencing, establishment of security committees, deployment of vigilance services, provision of emergency lines, and security awareness training for staff and community members.
Kila expressed hope that the capacity-building programme would equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate challenging security situations and foster strategic communication to win the hearts and minds of citizens in conflict-affected communities.
He emphasised the importance of regular engagement between security forces and community leaders to enhance collaboration and trust-building efforts.
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