Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Economic Crisis: Nigerian Students in UK Grapples For Food As Hunger Bites

POSTED ON June 2, 2024 •   Uncategorized      BY Benedicta Bassey
Food vendor/Photo credit: Adobestock

Following harsh economic crisis, Nigeria international students in the United Kingdom [UK] struggling to afford tuition fees, with some at Teesside University blocked from their studies and ordered to return home are appealing to charity for food to tackle hunger.

Manager Debbie Fixter said 75% of clients at Thornaby’s Sprouts Community Food Charity (SCFC) were affected students and the situation had pushed it to “maximum capacity”.

The university said it was providing support and international applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds when applying for a visa.

SCFC organises a range of activities and offers food for free or at low cost, along with clothes and household items.

Over the course of recent months, the charity said its clientele had noticeably changed with the majority of those visiting being Nigerian masters degree students from Teesside University.

Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with the value of the naira depreciating by more than 200% against the dollar in the past 12 months.

An increasing number of students who come to the UK are turning to community charities and organisations for much-needed help, according to SCFC manager Ms Fixter.

“They’re really struggling, they need help and they’re part of our community,” she said.

Client Boluwatife Elusakin said he has had to “dive deep” to afford the cost of living and studying in the UK. Nigeria’s economic crisis means he is having to spend double what he had budgeted.Things are no longer the same,” he said.

“I’ve had to cut costs because of the currency crash, it hit my savings as I’d already budgeted funds to come here.

“It makes me feel sad, but I hope I can endure just one year and all will be well.”

Ms Fixter said her charity was currently at “maximum capacity” as a result of the situation and called on Teesside University to offer more support.

She said the university had so far been proactive and offered a welcome £500 donation of Sainsbury’s vouchers after being informed of the situation, but called it a “drop in the ocean” in terms of what was needed to support the influx of students at the charity, according to BBC.

“Teesside University remains a popular destination for students from across the world who choose to study here because of its global reputation for excellence in teaching and research,” a spokesman added.

The university is offering “case by case” support to those affected by the situation in Nigeria.

READ ALSO
Eno enhances healthcare with N200m contribution to UUTH
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 16, 2025 0

In an effort to enhance healthcare services, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has co...

READ ALSO
Ododo Reorganizes the Tourism Board, Kogi Hotels
BY Ebiakuboere England December 3, 2024 0

KOGI- Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has appointed former Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board Chai...

READ ALSO
Rivers Varsity Suspends Four Students For Assault
BY Benedicta Bassey June 16, 2024 0

The Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt has suspended four of its students con...

READ ALSO
French Embassy Unveils Waste Management Project Worth €753,000 in Varsities
BY Benedicta Bassey June 14, 2024 0

The French Embassy, via the Cooperation and Cultural Department, has launched a plastic waste manage...

READ ALSO
ATBU Enhances Research Capacity For Lecturers
BY Benedicta Bassey June 14, 2024 0

The management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, has enhanced research capabilities...

READ ALSO
Russia Dismisses Claim of Recruiting Nigerian Students For Ukranian War
BY Benedicta Bassey June 13, 2024 0

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has debunked the claims of recruiting African students, particularly...

READ ALSO
Soludo Warns Tinubu Against Accepting Unsustainable Minimum Wage
BY Benedicta Bassey June 13, 2024 0

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo on Thursday warned President Bola Tinubu against approving &ld...

READ ALSO
Obi Cubana Lauds Burna Boy For Settling Patients' Hospital Bills
BY Ebiakuboere England June 12, 2024 0

Award-winning Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, has been praised by million...

OUR CHANNELS:

IRCC Raises Minimum Proof of Funds for Immigrants: New Threshold Set at CAD $15,262
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated a review of the settlement fund cr...


Nigeria Urges U.S. to Reassess New Visa Restrictions Amid Concerns Over Reciprocity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The government of President Bola Tinubu has called on the U.S. government to reassess its visa restr...


Vigilante Leader Vows to Continue Fight against Banditry Despite Heavy Losses
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

A vigilante leader in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Hussaini, has pledged t...


JAMB Reports Surge in Exam Malpractices, Two Arrested in Katsina
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board at its 2025 policy meeting on Tuesday...


Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Secure Victor Osimhen Amidst Transfer Rumors
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has once again advised the club regarding their searc...


Ex-D’Tigers coach Brown sets goals for new job
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The former head coach of the Nigerian men's national basketball team, D'Tigers,Mike Brown,has s...


U.S. Reduces Visa Duration for Nigerians to Three Months
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The U.S. Department of State has changed its five-year visa policy for Nigerians applying for non-im...


JAMB Sets 2024 Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board announced the admission cut-off marks for universities, pol...


Federal Government Launches Exclusive Passport Office for Senior Officials
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The federal government on Tuesday, inaugurated a new passport front office in Abuja...


African Democratic Congress Claims Government Coercion to Weaken Opposition Coalition
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of ta...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu