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Japa: Six implications of UK visa restrictions on Nigerian students bringing families
The British government has banned foreign students including Nigerians from bringing family members to the country as a part of the new plan to cut immigration numbers.
Home Secretary, Suella Braverman disclosed the dependant visa ban policy on Tuesday.
While the announcement of the policy has been greeted with reactions, Vanguard spoke with stakeholders and experts to elicit responses on the effects of the new visa restrictions.
Here are some things to expect from the policy:
1. Nigerian students will still choose UK schools
The visa ban policy will mostly affect married Nigerians who want to move with their families. Meanwhile, there are Nigerian students and other immigrants that will pursue their academic programmes in the UK especially unmarried people.
Speaking to Vanguard on Thursday, a Senior Lecturer at the Nottingham Business School, UK, Dr Oyedele Martins Ogundana said it is only one-quarter of foreign students that bring their families to the UK for study programmes.
This means that the number of foreign students might reduce, but will not stop those who still have an interest in the UK as their study destination.
Dr Ogundana said, “Indeed, not all students arrive with dependents. For example, the ratio of students to dependents who migrated to the UK in 2022 was approximately 1:0.3. This indicates that contrary to popular assumptions, around one-fourth of international students bring their dependants along when coming to the UK.
“In other words, most overseas students do not migrate with their dependants. Although the government anticipates a significant decline in net migration over the medium term due to the alleviation of temporary factors, students are likely to continue to choose the UK as their
preferred destination.”
2. Nigerians will seek alternatives in other European countries
The plan of the Rishi Sunak-led government is to cut net migration and the dependant visa ban policy has been used to achieve that.
She said there are Nigerians who do not know flexible academic programmes are available in other European countries. And what the new UK policy will do is make these countries have more international foreign students.
“Definitely as this happened, a lot of European countries will jump at the opportunity. People don’t really know some countries exist. For instance, I was talking to some people and they were saying they didn’t know Luxembourg exist, they didn’t know there is a country called Sweden. Another one is Malta,” Oloruntuyi said.
“If they don’t know these countries exist, they can’t even know how to get there. Maybe with this ban, people will start opening their eyes to other opportunities in these countries, especially the ones that allow them to come with their families. I don’t want to mention them. I think people can find out on their own. But this ban will make people look elsewhere and they will also know that language is not a barrier. It will be a good business for people like us that work with EU countries.”
According to Ogundana, who is also a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), “Nigerians might seek admission in other countries, such as Canada, not because of their inability to bring their dependants to the UK only. The change in the proportion of international students might also fall because of other requirements under the new regulation, such as restricting international students from switching their student visa routes to work routes until their studies have been completed.
He further said, “Nigerian and other international students might also be discouraged from coming to the UK because the policy change also requires a higher threshold of funds/deposits that international students must have to demonstrate they can look after themselves and their dependants in the UK.”
4. Separation and division of Nigerian families
With the policy, some Nigerians that have plans to travel to the UK in pursuing their academic programmes will go ahead and this may cause separation and division of families.
Akaniro said, “But I think it will drastically reduce the number of married female Nigerians seeking to study in the Uk. In Nigeria, we know women bear the bulk of child nurturing and upbringing. What this policy means is that females will be deprived. What the UK has succeeded in doing is creating additional barriers to education.”

Mrs Chidinma Akaniro, M Phil student, University of Cambridge, UK
She said, “Someone told me that she separated from her spouse because she came to study in the UK at the early time of her marriage. The physical distance will cause a lot of turmoil. In fact, I dare say, that academic performance will be low because the students will no longer have the emotional and moral support of their families.
“Are you telling me I will come to the UK and leave my one-year-old at home in Nigeria and go back to meet a disoriented child? Nigerians may still be coming but it will be mostly with the single people, but married people have been barred. this a policy trying to divide families.”
Nigeria has the highest number of students in the UK from Africa. And the country is third in the number of foreign students after China and India, according to the UK education data group, Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
HESA also revealed that nearly 100,000 Nigerian students enrolled in UK schools in the past five years. The figures were 99,985 to be precise. In the same manner, Nigerian students and their dependents contributed about £1.9 billion to the economy of the UK, according to SBM Intelligence.
And with this new visa restriction policy imposed on Nigerian families, the British economy will experience a financial loss.

Rishi Sunak, UK PM
“However, we anticipate that the impact may not be as significant since the average age of international students typically falls within the 20-30 age range and are likely to be singles.
“Consequently, instead of observing a notable change in the proportion of international students, it is more likely that there will be a decline in the proportion of dependants accompanying them. Additionally, the UK government will experience a loss of income, including health surcharge fees.”
6. It could be temporary approach
Knowing that its economy would be adversely affected, the UK will most probably find another means to complement the policy. In other means, it could be a temporary policy to cut net migration.
Conclusion
It is greatly believed that Nigerians are assets to their host countries and the international community at large. If the UK perceives an adverse effect the reduction of Nigerian students in its schools will cause, it will come up with another policy.
“The UK needs Nigerians, and they will come up with something again in the nearest future,” Oloruntuyi added.
News
Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara has emerged as a leading political figure and consensus candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. His emergence reflects a growing call for purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, and a renewed political vision for Kano and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Sankara is widely known for his contributions to community development, youth empowerment, and public engagement. A politician, philanthropist, and public affairs advocate, he has consistently supported initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots participation in governance.
His political journey is not new. In the 2019 general elections, Dr. Sankara contested as an aspirant for the House of Representatives under the PDP to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in Kano State. His participation in the democratic process demonstrated his long-standing commitment to public service and political representation.
With a vision centered on Youth Empowerment, Innovation, Good Governance, and National Unity, Dr. Sankara is seen by supporters as part of a new generation of leaders focused on inclusive development and responsive representation. His message emphasizes the importance of accountability, opportunity creation, and citizen-centered leadership.
Supporters and party stakeholders believe his experience in community engagement and grassroots mobilization will contribute positively to legislative representation, ensuring that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive adequate attention. His growing acceptance across different groups is seen as a sign of confidence in his leadership and political aspirations.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, many observers view Dr. Nafiu Sankara’s political journey as part of a broader conversation about leadership renewal, youth participation, and the future direction of governance in Kano State and Nigeria.
“The Youth. The Vision. The Change. The Future is Ours.”
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Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship Group, has been declared the winner of the APC primary elections for the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba State. His victory reflects the overwhelming support of voters across the constituency, who have entrusted him once again with the responsibility of representing their interests at the National Assembly.
Since his election into the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu has distinguished himself as a legislator of vision and purpose. His leadership of the Nigeria-China Friendship Group has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade, infrastructure, and technology. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance international diplomacy with grassroots development, ensuring that his constituency benefits from both global partnerships and local initiatives.
Hon. Yakubu is widely respected for his integrity, accessibility, and people-centered approach to governance. Voters describe him as approachable and transparent, qualities that have earned him trust and loyalty. His interventions in education, road construction, and youth empowerment have provided vital opportunities for rural communities in Taraba, connecting them to broader national development. His consistency in legislative duties and his reliability as a representative have further cemented his standing as a dependable voice in the House of Representatives.
His victory at the primaries is not just a political achievement but a reaffirmation of his commitment to service. Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu’s re-election bid promises continuity in championing international cooperation, local development, and legislative accountability. As Taraba looks forward to stronger representation in the National Assembly, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu stands out as a leader who combines vision, diplomacy, and grassroots connection to deliver meaningful progress for Bali/Gassol and Nigeria at large.
News
Tinubu Mega Group Mobilises 1,500, Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid
The nation’s capital, Abuja, witnessed a massive political gathering on Tuesday as thousands of supporters under the umbrella of the Tinubu Mega Group (TMG) staged what organisers described as a “National Unity Rally” in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The rally, which attracted participants from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, brought together over 1,500 groups comprising professionals, civil society organisations, youth associations, religious leaders, artisans, traders, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.At the rally, the coalition formally presented what it described as the endorsement of “20 million Nigerians” for another four years of President Tinubu’s administration, insisting that ongoing economic and structural reforms must be sustained beyond 2027.Addressing the gathering, the National Spokesperson of the Tinubu Mega Group, Tijani Ali Danjuma, said the rally represented the collective voice of Nigerians who believe in continuity, stability, and national progress.According to him, despite prevailing economic difficulties and global challenges, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated courage and direction in tackling inherited national problems.He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, renewed investments in local refining, economic stabilisation efforts, improved support for state governments, social intervention programmes, and reforms targeted at strengthening local governance and attracting investments.“The student loan programme has opened new opportunities for young Nigerians. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the naira, improve food production, and reposition the economy for long term growth,” he stated.Danjuma added that the massive turnout at the rally was proof that support for the President cuts across regions, sectors, and religious affiliations.“To those spreading false narratives and attempting to create division, our answer is simple, the people have spoken. Nigerians are choosing continuity over confusion and progress over propaganda,” he declared.Also speaking at the rally on behalf of Nigerian professionals, Dr. Tabuko Kennedy said professionals across critical sectors of the economy were backing the administration because reforms require consistency and continuity to succeed.Representing doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, and technocrats, Kennedy argued that abandoning ongoing reforms midway could negatively affect national development.He maintained that President Tinubu had shown commitment toward rebuilding the economy, strengthening infrastructure, improving revenue generation, supporting local industries, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.“As professionals, we understand that difficult reforms are never easy at the beginning, but we also know that abandoning reforms halfway can damage national progress,” he said.Kennedy further declared that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” a statement that drew loud cheers from supporters at the venue.The Christian community was represented by Bishop Kola Oyedepo, who described the current phase of Nigeria’s development as a period requiring patience, sacrifice, wisdom, and collective responsibility.The cleric noted that leadership often demands difficult decisions and urged Nigerians not to allow bitterness, division, or destructive politics to derail ongoing efforts aimed at repositioning the country.According to him, reforms initiated under President Tinubu, including economic restructuring, infrastructure development, educational support through student loans, and efforts to improve local refining capacity, were necessary foundations for a stronger Nigeria.“Every wise builder must first lay a solid foundation. Nigeria today is in the process of rebuilding and restructuring its foundation for a stronger future,” the bishop stated.He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while reiterating support for continuity in governance.“There is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027,” he added.Similarly, Islamic cleric Sheik Abubakar Mustapha called for patience, peace, unity, and support for national development efforts.The Imam acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the country, but stressed that meaningful reforms require time, perseverance, and courageous leadership.He commended the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education support initiatives, governance reforms, and local refining projects aimed at strengthening national productivity.“We must not allow division, hatred, or politics of bitterness to weaken our country. Instead, we must support unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership,” he said.Mustapha also aligned with the position of the organisers, insisting that Nigerians who desire stability and sustained development understand that “there is NO VACANCY in Aso Rock in 2027.”Observers described the rally as one of the largest political mobilisation efforts witnessed in Abuja in recent months, with participants carrying banners, placards, and campaign materials bearing inscriptions such as “20 Million Nigerians Support Tinubu,” “Continuity for National Development,” and “One Voice, One Vision, One Nigeria.”The rally ended peacefully with prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and sustained democratic governance in Nigeria.
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