By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
PRESIDENT BOLA Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to address the various difficulties encountered by Nigerian students studying overseas, reaffirming his commitment to improving their well-being through his citizen diplomacy policy.
This promise came during the fourth quarterly webinar lecture series organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), themed “Well-being of Nigerian Students Abroad: Struggles, Challenges, and Solutions.”
Representing the President, Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement Hon. Asefon Sunday Dayo emphasized that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by these students and is diligently working to alleviate them.
Dayo encouraged the students to create more platforms for discussing their issues and to ensure their leaders communicate these concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, highlighted the recurring issue of unpaid fees for students on scholarships abroad, stressing the need for a permanent solution.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving these financial hurdles to ensure students can focus on their studies without undue stress.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), assured students that JAMB will continue to offer guidance on selecting institutions and courses abroad.
He warned against enrolling in unaccredited universities and urged thorough checks before making decisions.
Brig. Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), represented by Mr. Omotade Folorunso, spoke about the importance of attending approved and accredited institutions.
He cautioned that the NYSC will not mobilize students returning from unrecognized foreign universities for national service.
Comrade Juwon Ojo Fayomi, President of NANS-Diaspora, listed several challenges faced by Nigerian students abroad and praised NIDCOM for its swift interventions and expressed optimism that the webinar series would yield effective solutions for diaspora students.
Mr. Yemi Soile, Head Coordinator of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, and Mr. Uche Okugo, President of the Network of Nigerians in Canada, highlighted the urgent need for government support to address overwhelming challenges faced by students.
Prof. Hakeem Tijani of Morgan State University, US, commended NIDCOM for the quality of the webinar and stakeholders involved. He advised students to be proactive and not rely solely on the government, offering to mentor them on navigating life in a foreign country. The webinar allowed students from around the world to raise questions about scholarship payments, NYSC registration, professional examinations, racial discrimination, passport and consular issues, and other academic concerns and the relevant stakeholders provided comprehensive responses to these inquiries.
